raffinose
Definition
Noun: A naturally occurring trisaccharide (a sugar composed of three monosaccharide units) found in certain plants such as sugar beets, cotton seeds, and some grains. It is not digestible by humans but can be fermented by bacteria in the large intestine.
Usage
Raffinose is used primarily in scientific, nutritional, and agricultural contexts to refer to this specific carbohydrate compound. - Raffinose is one of the oligosaccharides responsible for flatulence after eating beans. - The study measured the raffinose content in various cereal grains. - As a prebiotic, raffinose may promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Advanced Usage
- Biochemical Context: In biochemistry, is often discussed in relation to carbohydrate metabolism, plant physiology, and as a substrate for enzymatic studies.
- The enzyme alpha-galactosidase is required to hydrolyze raffinose into simpler sugars.
Variants and Related Words
- Raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs): A group of sugars including raffinose, stachyose, and verbascose, known for their presence in legumes and certain other plants.
Synonyms
- Trisaccharide: A general term for any sugar composed of three monosaccharides; is a specific type of trisaccharide.
- Oligosaccharide: A broader category of carbohydrates containing a small number of simple sugar molecules; is a member of this group.
Related Phrases and Terms
- Raffinose metabolism: Refers to the biochemical pathways involved in the synthesis or breakdown of raffinose in living organisms.
- Understanding raffinose metabolism in plants is important for improving seed longevity.
Noun
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a trisaccharide that occurs in sugar beets and cotton seeds and certain cereals
