Disaccharides biologically important

S. J. Danishefsky, Route from glycals to mannose p-glycosides, J. Org. Chem. 59 1892 (1994) G. Stork and G. Kim, Stereocontrolled synthesis of disaccharides via the temporary silicon connection, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 114 1081 (1992) P. J. Garegg, Saccharides of biological importance Challenges and opportunities for otganic synthesis, Acc. Chem. Res. 25 575(1992). 

A number of other studies have been reported, using all-valence MO methods to predict the conformation of biologically important molecules. These include calculations on glucopyranose (70), several disaccharides (71), several nucleosides (72—75), and acetanilide (76). The prediction of the conformation of the insect juvenile hormone has also been made from EHT-MO calculations (Figure 17) (77). Using a combination of... 

Biologically important/active compounds, including some macromolecules and biological polymers (survey of typical groups) selected amino acids purines (mainly uric acid) and pyrimidines glucose, some disaccharides and polysaccharides vitamins (B6, ascorbic acid, toco-pherols), enzymes and coenzymes (NAD , NADH) neurotransmitters (dopamine and catechols) and nucleic acids (DNA/RNA). 

It seems quite possible that not only true phosphorylase but also other transglycosidases may play an important role in the biological syntheses, decompositions and interconversions of disaccharides and polysaccharides. 

Biologically, carbohydrates are most important as energy sources. This is especially true for monosaccharides, disaccharides, and starches. Starches also function as energy storage molecules in plants. Cellulose is an essential component of plant cell walls. 

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