Glucose
The most abundant monosaccharide and the primary energy source for most living cells.
Formula / equation
C₆H₁₂O₆
Unit
g/mol
In depth
Glucose circulates in blood at a tightly regulated concentration and is oxidised in respiration to release 2803 kJ per mole. It exists predominantly as a six-membered pyranose ring, and it is the monomer of starch, glycogen and cellulose alike.
Examples in the real world
Blood sugar maintained near 5 mM; the product of photosynthesis and the fuel of glycolysis.