Question:

What type of glycosidic bond is present in maltose?

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Maltose is two alpha-D-glucose units joined by an alpha-1,4 linkage.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
  • \(β\text{-}1,4\)
  • \(α\text{-}1,4\)
  • \(α\text{-}1,6\)
  • \(β\text{-}2,4\)
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Maltose is a reducing disaccharide made of two glucose units. The glycosidic bond connects the anomeric carbon of one unit to a hydroxyl of the other.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In maltose the C-1 of one \(\alpha\)-D-glucose is joined to the C-4 of a second glucose unit through an oxygen bridge. This is an \(\alpha\)-1,4-glycosidic bond. The second glucose keeps a free anomeric carbon, which is why maltose is a reducing sugar.

Step 3: Why the other options are wrong.
The \(\beta\)-1,4 linkage (A) is found in cellobiose and cellulose. The \(\alpha\)-1,6 linkage (C) is the branching point in amylopectin and glycogen. A \(\beta\)-2,4 linkage (D) is not a standard linkage in common disaccharides.

Final Answer:
Maltose has an \(\alpha\)-1,4 glycosidic bond, option (B). \[ \boxed{\alpha\text{-1,4 (B)}} \]
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