L-Erythrose

Definition

L-Erythrose is an aldose, a monosaccharide with an aldehyde group at one end. It is one of the four stereoisomers of the tetrose sugar erythrulose, and specifically refers to the L-configuration of the molecule.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. L-Erythrose is one of the four possible stereoisomers of the tetrose sugar erythrulose, along with D-erythrulose, L-threose, and D-threose.
2. The 'L' prefix in L-Erythrose indicates that the hydroxyl group on the second carbon atom is on the left side of the Fischer projection.
3. Aldoses, like L-Erythrose, are a class of monosaccharides that have an aldehyde group at the end of the carbon chain.
4. The configuration of the hydroxyl groups in L-Erythrose determines its chemical and physical properties, as well as its biological functions.
5. L-Erythrose is an important intermediate in various metabolic pathways, including the pentose phosphate pathway and the biosynthesis of ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

Review Questions

• Explain the significance of the 'L' prefix in the name L-Erythrose.
  • The 'L' prefix in L-Erythrose indicates the stereochemical configuration of the molecule. Specifically, it means that the hydroxyl group on the second carbon atom is on the left side of the Fischer projection. This is in contrast to the 'D' configuration, where the hydroxyl group is on the right side. The L-configuration is an important characteristic that determines the chemical and physical properties of L-Erythrose, as well as its biological functions and interactions within the body.
• Describe the role of L-Erythrose in the context of the configurations of aldoses.
  • L-Erythrose is one of the four possible stereoisomers of the tetrose sugar erythrulose, which is an aldose. Aldoses are a class of monosaccharides that have an aldehyde group at the end of the carbon chain. The configuration of the hydroxyl groups in L-Erythrose, as well as the other stereoisomers, is crucial in determining the overall structure and properties of the molecule. Understanding the configurations of aldoses, such as L-Erythrose, is important for predicting and explaining their behavior in various chemical and biological processes.
• Analyze the significance of L-Erythrose as an intermediate in metabolic pathways.
  • L-Erythrose is an important intermediate in several metabolic pathways, including the pentose phosphate pathway and the biosynthesis of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). In the pentose phosphate pathway, L-Erythrose is a key precursor for the synthesis of other pentose sugars, which are essential for the production of nucleic acids and various coenzymes. Additionally, L-Erythrose is involved in the biosynthesis of ascorbic acid, a vital nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular function and supporting the immune system. The participation of L-Erythrose in these critical metabolic processes highlights its significance in the overall regulation and functioning of the body's biochemical systems.

Related terms

Aldose: A monosaccharide containing an aldehyde group at the end of the carbon chain.

Stereoisomer: Molecules that have the same molecular formula and connectivity, but differ in the three-dimensional arrangement of their atoms.

Tetrose: A monosaccharide with four carbon atoms.