You’re likely to have heard the terms sucrose and glucose, whether you’re a food analyst or a chemist. And chances are, you’ve eaten some type of sweet treat containing either one. The differences between these two types of sugar are as important as their similarities. Read the article to know all the differences.
Glucose vs Sucrose
The main difference between glucose and sucrose is that glucose is a monosaccharide, the basic unit of carbohydrates that cannot be broken down into simpler molecules. On the other hand, sucrose is a disaccharide, made of both glucose and fructose.
When sunlight hits plants, they produce glucose. It is obtained from plants by the process of fermentation, and this sugar is used by the body as energy. It is stored in cells and aids in cellular respiration. It is vital for the central nervous system, as it performs the functions of the brain and muscles.
Sucrose is a mixed molecule of two other types of sugar molecules: glucose and fructose. It is produced naturally in plants, mostly it is refined from sugarcane. Sucrose is the table sugar that we use in our recipes like in chocolates, icecreams, sauces, etc. Sucrose is rather sweet than other types of sugars and therefore, it can cause tooth decay.
Comparison Table Between Glucose And Sucrose
| Parameters of Comparison | Glucose | Sucrose |
| Definition | Glucose is a monosaccharide that can’t be broken into simple forms. | Sucrose is a combination of two monosaccharides. |
| Chemical formula | C6H12O6 | C12H22O11 |
| Sugar Type | Glucose is a reducing sugar. | Sucrose is a non-reducing sugar. |
| Molar Mass | The molar mass of glucose is almost 180g/mol. | The molar mass of sucrose is about 329g/mol. |
| Melting Point | The melting point of glucose is 145 to 150 degrees Celsius. | The melting point of sucrose is 182 to 185 degrees Celsius. |
What is Glucose?
Glucose is a simple sugar that has the molecular formula of C6H12O6. It is the most abundant of all monosaccharides, a subcategory of carbohydrates. It is a simple carbohydrate that is essential for the human body. It is found in all forms and is used in many different processes. Despite its abundance, glucose isn’t used at the same rate in the body as carbohydrates.
The Ancient Greek words glukus (or gleukos) are the sources of the name glucose. The suffix “-ose”, which denotes that the substance is a sweetener, signifies that it is sugar. Glucose is a monosaccharide because it contains six carbon atoms. This is the only form of glucose that has six carbon atoms. This substance is used as a sweetener in many foods, including sweetened cereals, beverages, and pasta sauces.
Monosaccharide glucose is essential for the proper functioning and maintenance of our bodies systems. Our bodies need this sugar for energy. You get your glucose from carbohydrates such as bread, fruits, dairy products, and other carbs. They provide the energy we need for movement. We can speed up our metabolism and feel better if we eat enough.
What is Sucrose?
Sucrose is the table sugar we use in our daily lives. It’s a type of sugar that is made up of glucose and fructose molecules linked together. It’s a disaccharide, meaning it is a combination of two monosaccharides, one of which is fructose. This sugar is naturally found in plants, but it is also refined and crystallized to make it easier to use.
Sugarland natives, such as date palms, sweet sorghum, and Canadian maples, are rich sources of sucrose. While most of today’s sugar comes from sugar cane, it’s also a popular ingredient in foods such as chocolate chip cookies and ice cream. Both types are high in sucrose, and they are healthy to eat in small quantities. Make sure to read the labels to make sure they don’t contain gluten.
It is easiest to remember how sugar should be prepared. You can measure the amount in grams per teaspoon. You can also measure the amount of sucrose by weight. Most sugar products are liquid and can contain up to 80% of them by weight. However, the higher the proportion of sucrose, the more likely you are to consume it. It’s not only bad for you if you have diabetes, but it can also make you itch. If you work in candy or bakeshops, you probably know all about the negative side effects of sucrose, and it’s good to know that it can lead to dermatoses.
Main Differences Between Glucose And Sucrose
- Glucose is a monosaccharide. While, on the other hand, sucrose is a disaccharide (a compound made of two monosaccharides)
- Glucose is less beneficial than sucrose.
- Glucose is less digestible as compared to sucrose. Therefore, sucrose is preferred in baked goods.
- Glucose has fewer calories than sucrose. Sucrose is made of both glucose and fructose, so it has higher calories.
- The taste of glucose is less sweet than that of sucrose.
Conclusion
There is are many differences between glucose and sucrose. Both of these are sugars and they are simple sugars with six carbon atoms. There are many differences between them though their chemical composition is the key difference between them. Both types of these sugars are also soluble in water.
When comparing the two sugars, the differences are primarily in their molecular structures. Both are reducing sugars and are equally important. Glucose, a monosaccharide, is composed of six carbon atoms as well as an aldehyde group. Indeed, glucose is the more abundant of the two.
Sucrose is a combination of glucose, fructose, and other disaccharides.
The difference between glucose and sucrose is primarily based on how the two are made. Despite their similarities, each has its distinct chemical composition. Using this information to identify the two types of sugars in foods will help you choose the best ones for your diet. While both sugars are useful for human health, their different properties should not be confused. Hence one must understand the difference between Glucose and Sucrose to converse well.
References
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814615006172
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=TYTnheXYWpUC&oi=fnd&pg=IA3&dq=sucrose&ots=q0ArXrcF3_&sig=DFAVo_jO9m5o2mDOMI3zJbQfWqY