Principles of Biochemistry, Volume 1 - A. Lehninger 1985

Biomolecules
Carbohydrates: Structure and Biological Functions
Simple monosaccharides can act as reducing agents

Monosaccharides readily reduce oxidizing agents such as ferricyanide, hydrogen peroxide, or divalent copper ions (Cu2+). In these reactions, the carbonyl group of the sugars is oxidized, while the oxidizing agent is reduced. (Recall that reducing agents are electron Donors, whereas oxidizing agents are electron acceptors.) Glucose and other sugars capable of reducing oxidizing agents are referred to as reducing sugars. This property is utilized in sugar analysis. By measuring The amount of the oxidizing agent reduced by a sugar solution, the sugar concentration can be calculated. This method is used to determine glucose levels in Blood and urine for the Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus, which is characterized by a significant increase in blood glucose levels and The excretion of its excess in the urine.



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