GRE Subject Test: Chemistry : Carbohydrates

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Subject Test: Chemistry

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Carbohydrates

Which type of bond is created between carbohydrates and the sidechain amine of select asparagine residues in proteins?

Possible Answers:

Neither is correct

Both are correct

N-glycosidic

O-glycosidic

Correct answer:

N-glycosidic

Explanation:

A glycosidic bond covalently joins a carbohydrate molecule to another molecule. An O-glycosidic bond is a covalent linkage between a carbohydrate and a protein, joining a serine or threonine hydroxyl side chain and a sugar (oxygen in the bond yields "O"). An N-glycosidic linkage involves bonding of a carbohydrate and a protein, joining an asparagine side chain amide and a sugar (nitrogen in the bond yields "N"). Thus, N-glycosidic is the correct answer.

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