Author
Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Disaccharide and Polysaccharide?

Guilherme Mazui

•3 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Disaccharide and Polysaccharide?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main difference between disaccharides and polysaccharides lies in the number of monosaccharide units they are composed of:

  • Disaccharides are composed of two monosaccharide units linked together, making them simple sugars formed when two monosaccharides undergo a dehydration reaction. Common disaccharides include sucrose (glucose + fructose), lactose (glucose + galactose), and maltose (two glucose molecules). They are soluble in water and have a sweet taste.
  • Polysaccharides are composed of three or more monosaccharide units linked together, forming complex carbohydrates. They can be classified as either storage molecules (e.g., starch and glycogen) or structural molecules (e.g., cellulose). Polysaccharides have a larger molecular weight compared to disaccharides and are generally not soluble or partially soluble in water. They do not have a sweet taste.

In summary, disaccharides are simple sugars composed of two monosaccharides, while polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates composed of three or more monosaccharides. Disaccharides are soluble in water and have a sweet taste, whereas polysaccharides may be insoluble or partially soluble and do not have a sweet taste.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Disaccharide and Polysaccharide?
  • Comparative Table: Disaccharide vs Polysaccharide

    • Comparative Table: Disaccharide vs Polysaccharide

    Here is a table comparing the differences between disaccharides and polysaccharides:

    Feature Disaccharides Polysaccharides
    Definition Disaccharides are carbohydrates composed of two monosaccharides linked together. Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates made up of hundreds or thousands of monosaccharide residues linked together.
    Structure Disaccharides have a simpler structure, with two monosaccharide molecules joined together via a glycosidic bond. Polysaccharides have a complex structure, consisting of long chains of monosaccharide subunits.
    Solubility Disaccharides are soluble in water. Polysaccharides are insoluble in water.
    Examples Common disaccharides include sucrose (glucose + fructose), lactose (glucose + galactose), and maltose (glucose + glucose). Examples of polysaccharides include starch, glycogen, and cellulose.
    Function Disaccharides serve as energy sources and are broken down into monosaccharides for further processing in the body. Polysaccharides are used for various purposes, such as energy storage (e.g., glycogen) and structural support (e.g., cellulose).
    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.