Carbohydrates composed of 3-10 monosaccharide units (with more than 10 units they are termed polysaccharides). Those composed of fructose, galactose or isomaltose have prebiotic action and encourage the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria.
Relatively short molecular chains made up to 10-100 simple sugar (saccharide) units. These sugar (i.e., carbohydrate) chains are frequently attached to protein molecules. When this happens, the resulting molecule is known as a glycoprotein—that is, a hybrid molecule that is part protein and part sugar. The oligosaccharide portion affects a protein’s conformation(s) and biological activity. The oligosaccharide (carbohydrate) portion of a glycoprotein functions as a mediator of cellular uptake of that glycoprotein. Glycosylation thus affects the length of time the molecule resides in the bloodstream before it is taken out of circulation (serum lifetime). It is thought that blood group (e.g.. A, B, O, etc.) is based upon an oligosaccharide concept. For example, different oligosaccharide “branches” on a given glycoprotein (e.g., tissue plasminogen activator) could cause that glycoprotein to be perceived by the body’s immune system to be another (incorrect) blood type, thus provoking an immune response against it.
A carbohydrate consisting of 2-10 monosaccharide units.
Carbohydrate compound made up of a small number of monosaccharide (single sugar molecule) units, typically two or three, lactose (milk sugar) and sucrose (table sugar) consist of two monosaccharides. Polysaccharides contain larger numbers of monosaccharide units.
A compound made up of a small number of monosaccharide units. Some are found on the outer surface of cell membranes as part of antigens.
A polymeric compound consisting of a limited amount (usually 3-10) of constituent sugars.