Cellobiose is a disaccharide - formula C12H22O11 - consisting of two glucose units ( 12 carbon atoms, and 2 ring-shaped structures, each containing an oxygen atom) - like maltose.
However the two sugars are linked via a differently oriented glycosidic bond - a beta 1-4 bond - between opposite ends of the 2 glucose molecules. This apparently linear linkage is the basis for cellulose, which forms microfibrils running parallel to others, stabilised by hydrogen bonds. This bond - effectively an oxygen bridge - is formed as a result of a condensation reaction. Mouse and movement options Colours explained |