Question

Name the linkage which joins two monosaccharide units.

Hint:

Sugars are connected by glycosidic linkages.

Answer 1

Step 1: Describe the bond formation.
When two monosaccharide units combine, the anomeric $-OH$ of one sugar reacts with any $-OH$ of the second sugar, releasing one molecule of water in a condensation reaction.
Step 2: Name the bond.
The resulting C-O-C linkage connecting the two monosaccharides through an oxygen bridge is called a glycosidic linkage (or glycosidic bond).
Step 3: Provide an example.
In maltose, two $\alpha$-glucose units are joined by a $C_1$-$C_4$ glycosidic linkage. In sucrose, $\alpha$-glucose and $\beta$-fructose are joined by a $C_1$-$C_2$ glycosidic linkage.
Step 4: Answer.
The linkage that joins two monosaccharide units is called the glycosidic linkage.