Soviet Medical Encyclopedia

Aminosugars

Biochemistry, Physiology, Biology & Genetics

Also known as: amino sugars, amino carbohydrates

Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.

Summary

Aminosugars are carbohydrates in which one of the hydroxyl groups is replaced by an amino group (NH2). They easily decompose, especially in alkaline solution, with the release of ammonia. Glucosamine, which forms the carbohydrate group in mucin, chondrin, and other glucoproteins, has physiological significance.

Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)

Aminosugars, carbohydrates in which one of the hydroxyl groups is replaced by an amino group NH2, for example, CH2OH.(CHOH)3.CHNH2.CHO (glucosamine). With phenylhydrazine, aminosugars give the same osazones as the corresponding sugars. Aminosugars decompose easily, especially in alkaline solution, with the elimination of ammonia. Glucosamine has physiological significance, forming the carbohydrate group in mucin of mucus, chondrin of cartilage, and other glucoproteins (see). Polysaccharides built from glucosamine are chitin and the so-called animal gum. Aminosugars are of biological interest as a possible link between proteins and carbohydrates.

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Cite this page

“Aminosugars.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/aminosugars/