Question
GeneralGeneralGeneral

What is another name for a disaccharide?

Verified Answer

Another name for a disaccharide is double sugar.

Explanation:

  • The term “disaccharide” comes from:
    • “di” meaning two
    • “saccharide” meaning sugar
  • Hence, it literally means a sugar made of two monosaccharide units

Scientific Perspective:

  • Disaccharides are also referred to as simple carbohydrates in nutrition
  • They are formed through a glycosidic bond between two monosaccharides

Examples:

  • Sucrose (glucose + fructose)
  • Lactose (glucose + galactose)
  • Maltose (glucose + glucose)

Conclusion:
A disaccharide is commonly called a double sugar because it consists of two linked monosaccharide units.