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Xylobiose is a disaccharide composed of two xylose molecules linked by a β-1,4 glycosidic bond. It is a key structural unit of xylan, a major hemicellulose component in plant cell walls. Produced during enzymatic or chemical breakdown of xylan (e.g., by xylanases), xylobiose serves as an intermediate in the conversion of plant biomass into fermentable sugars. It is studied for its role in biofuel production, food science (as a potential prebiotic), and carbohydrate metabolism research. Its structure and enzymatic degradation provide insights into biomass utilization and microbial digestion of plant materials.
Xylobiose is a disaccharide composed of two xylose molecules linked by a β(1→4) glycosidic bond. Here's a detailed breakdown:
Structure:
Components: Two β-D-xylopyranose units.
Bond: β(1→4) linkage, similar to cellobiose (but with xylose instead of glucose).
Source:
Derived from the hydrolysis of xylan, a major hemicellulose component in plant cell walls (e.g., wood, grasses, cereals).
Produced enzymatically via xylanases during microbial or industrial processing.
Properties:
Reducing Sugar: Yes, with a free anomeric carbon on the second xylose unit.
Solubility: Water-soluble, like most oligosaccharides.
Applications:
Biofuel Production: Acts as a substrate for fermenting microbes to produce biofuels (e.g., ethanol).
Prebiotic Potential: May stimulate growth of beneficial gut bacteria, though research is ongoing.
Food Industry: Potential low-calorie sweetener or functional food additive.
Research Tool: Used to study enzyme kinetics (e.g., xylanase activity).
Significance:
Key intermediate in xylan degradation, important for biomass conversion in biorefineries.
Part of oligosaccharide mixtures (xylooligosaccharides, XOS) marketed for gut health.
In summary, xylobiose is a structurally simple yet industrially relevant sugar dimer central to plant biomass utilization and biotechnological applications.
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