Pentose

Pentose is a type of sugar composed of five carbon atoms, making it a simple carbohydrate. These sugars are vital in biological processes, such as forming part of the backbone of nucleotides—the building blocks of DNA and RNA. Examples include ribose and deoxyribose, which are essential for genetic material. Pentoses also serve as intermediates in metabolic pathways, facilitating energy production and biosynthesis. Due to their five-carbon structure, they play a unique role in cellular functions and are a fundamental component of many biological systems.