Image for Glycosidic bond

Glycosidic bond

A glycosidic bond is a type of connection that forms between two carbohydrate molecules, such as sugars. It occurs when the hydroxyl (–OH) group of one sugar reacts with the anomeric carbon of another sugar, releasing a water molecule in the process. This bond is crucial for linking sugars together to form larger carbohydrates, like disaccharides (two sugars) and polysaccharides (many sugars), which play important roles in energy storage and structural functions in living organisms. Essentially, glycosidic bonds help create the complex carbohydrates that are vital for life.