Glucose, the most common carbohydrate in the world, is commonly found in fruits, tree sap and flower nectar and is often called grape sugar or corn sugar. It is also found in the bloodstream of animals and humans and is commonly referred to as blood sugar. An essential chemical in nature, glucose serves as one of the primary energy sources for plants and animals.
History
Glucose was discovered in 1747 by Andeas Marrgraf, who isolated it in raisins. In 1838, Jean Dumas coined the term glucose for the substance from the Greek word "glycos," which means sweet or sugar. The structure of the glucose molecule was later identified by Emil Fischer.
Chemistry
Glucose is a monosaccharide hexose sugar that contains six carbon, 12 hydrogen, and 6 oxygen atoms. Glucose is actually found in two forms: glucose and D-glucose, also known as dextrose. When bound to fructose, glucose forms sucrose, or common table sugar. Many starches, cellulose and glycogen are formed, in part, from glucose.
Significance
Plants convert water and carbon dioxide into glucose, for fuel, and oxygen through a process called photosynthesis. Animals also use glucose. Complex molecules from foods are broken down in the digestive process and converted into simple glucose. Both plants and animals use glucose as fuel for continued growth and development. Glucose can also be converted back to more complex molecules for storing energy.
Benefits
Glucose provides a ready source of energy. It is easily transported through the bloodstream, where it can reach all cells within the human body. It is used in the mitochondria of cells to produce energy for the cells to function and reproduce. One teaspoon of glucose will provide approximately 15 minutes of energy for the average human. Glucose is particularly necessary for proper brain function, as it is the only fuel that brain cells use.
Warning
Excessive amounts of glucose in the bloodstream can cause significant damage to the body. This can occur in cases of diabetes mellitus, an endocrine disorder. When glucose levels rise in the bloodstream, insulin is usually released by the pancreas, triggering cells to store excess sugar. In diabetes, the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin, and blood glucose levels rise. Long-term effects of high glucose levels can include neurological damage, blindness, slowed healing and a compromised immune system.
