Fructose

Definition

Fructose is a simple sugar (monosaccharide) found in many plants and is one of the three dietary monosaccharides, along with glucose and galactose. It is commonly found in fruits, honey, and root vegetables.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fructose is metabolized primarily by the liver where it can be converted into glucose or stored as fat.
2. High consumption of fructose has been linked to insulin resistance and obesity.
3. Unlike glucose, fructose does not stimulate a significant insulin response when consumed.
4. Oral bacteria can ferment fructose to produce acids that lead to dental caries (cavities).
5. In microbial biochemistry, fructose can serve as an energy source for various microorganisms.

Review Questions

• How does the body's metabolism of fructose differ from that of glucose?
• What health issues are associated with high consumption of fructose?
• Why is fructose relevant in the context of dental health?

Related terms

Glucose:

A simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms and is a component of many carbohydrates.

Sucrose:

A common disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose, often referred to as table sugar.

Lactobacillus:

A genus of bacteria known for its role in fermenting sugars like fructose to produce lactic acid.