Ketohexose vs. Hexose — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 24, 2024
Ketohexose features a ketone group, while hexose, a broader category, includes both ketoses and aldoses, distinguished by functional groups.
Difference Between Ketohexose and Hexose
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Ketohexose refers specifically to a type of hexose sugar that contains a ketone group on one of its carbon atoms. While hexose sugars are monosaccharides with six carbon atoms, they can be further divided into ketoses and aldoses depending on their functional groups.
While ketohexose always has a ketone group at the second carbon atom, hexoses can also include aldohexoses, which have an aldehyde group at the first carbon atom. This structural difference impacts their chemical properties and reactivity.
On the other hand, common examples of ketohexoses include fructose, which is well-known for its sweetness and its role in fruit. Whereas, hexoses also include glucose and galactose, which are aldohexoses, pivotal in energy metabolism and dairy product digestion respectively.
Ketohexoses generally participate in different biochemical pathways compared to aldohexoses due to their distinct functional group. Whereas hexoses, being a broader category, are involved in a wider variety of biological processes, ranging from energy production to serving as building blocks for other molecules.
Ketohexoses tend to form more stable furanose rings in aqueous solutions due to their structure. On the other hand, hexoses like glucose commonly form pyranose rings, influencing their stability and interaction with other molecules.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A hexose with a ketone group.
A monosaccharide with six carbons.
Functional Group
Ketone at C-2.
Ketone or aldehyde.
Common Examples
Fructose, sorbose.
Glucose, fructose, galactose.
Chemical Reactivity
Forms furanose rings.
Forms either furanose or pyranose rings.
Biological Role
Sweetener, metabolic intermediates.
Energy source, structural components.
Compare with Definitions
Ketohexose
Commonly found in sweet fruits and honey.
Honey contains a high percentage of fructose, a type of ketohexose.
Hexose
Involved in various metabolic pathways.
Hexoses are intermediates in both glycolysis and gluconeogenesis.
Ketohexose
Participates in the fructose metabolism pathway.
In the liver, fructose is metabolized differently than glucose.
Hexose
Forms stable six-membered or five-membered rings.
In aqueous solutions, glucose usually forms a six-membered pyranose ring.
Ketohexose
Typically forms a five-membered ring structure in solution.
Fructose often forms a furanose ring when dissolved in water.
Hexose
A simple sugar with six carbon atoms.
Glucose, a type of hexose, is essential for cellular energy.
Ketohexose
A six-carbon sugar featuring a ketone functional group.
Fructose is a common ketohexose found in fruits.
Hexose
Can be classified as either an aldose or a ketose.
Galactose and glucose are aldohexoses; fructose is a ketohexose.
Ketohexose
Less stable than glucose under physiological conditions.
Fructose is more reactive than glucose, leading to more rapid glycation of proteins.
Hexose
Crucial for energy production in biological systems.
Hexoses like glucose are metabolized during cellular respiration.
Ketohexose
(carbohydrate) Any hexose containing a ketone group.
Hexose
In chemistry, a hexose is a monosaccharide (simple sugar) with six carbon atoms. The chemical formula for all hexoses is C6H12O6, and their molecular weight is 180.156 g/mol.Hexoses exist in two forms, open-chain or cyclic, that easily convert into each other in aqueous solutions.
Ketohexose
A monosaccharide having six carbon atoms and a ketone group
Hexose
Any of the class of simple sugars whose molecules contain six carbon atoms, such as glucose and fructose. They generally have the chemical formula C₆H₁₂O₆.
Hexose
Any of various simple sugars, such as glucose and fructose, that have six carbon atoms per molecule.
Hexose
(carbohydrate) A sugar or saccharide containing six carbon atoms.
Glucose is a common hexose
Hexose
Any member of a group of sugars containing six carbon atoms in the molecule. Some are widely distributed in nature, esp. in ripe fruits.
Hexose
A monosaccharide that contains six carbon atoms per molecule
Common Curiosities
What is a ketohexose?
A ketohexose is a type of hexose sugar that contains a ketone group.
What biological role do ketohexoses play?
They serve as sweeteners and are involved in metabolic pathways like those converting fructose to energy.
Are ketohexoses found in nature?
Yes, fructose, a type of ketohexose, is commonly found in fruits and honey.
What distinguishes hexose sugars?
Hexoses can be either ketoses or aldoses, depending on their functional group.
How is ketohexose different from hexose?
Ketohexose specifically has a ketone group, whereas hexoses can have either a ketone or an aldehyde group.
Can you name some hexoses?
Glucose, fructose, and galactose are all hexoses.
How do ketohexoses and aldohexoses differ chemically?
Ketohexoses have a ketone group at the second carbon, while aldohexoses have an aldehyde group at the first carbon.
What are the dietary sources of ketohexoses?
Ketohexoses like fructose are primarily obtained from fruits and sweeteners like honey.
What are common examples of ketohexoses?
Examples include fructose and sorbose.
What is a hexose?
A hexose is a simple sugar with six carbon atoms.
What is the significance of hexoses in biology?
Hexoses are vital for energy production and serve as building blocks in numerous biological molecules.
How does the structure of ketohexoses affect their function?
The ketone group in ketohexoses influences their reactivity and the type of ring structures they form.
Do hexoses only occur as simple sugars?
No, they can also be part of larger molecules like polysaccharides.
Are hexoses stable in aqueous solutions?
Yes, they typically form stable ring structures, either five or six-membered.
How do hexoses contribute to human health?
They are crucial for energy supply and are involved in various metabolic disorders when imbalanced.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
