What are the components of maltose?

Maltose is a disaccharide sugar that is composed of two glucose molecules linked together. This compound is formed during the digestion of starch when amylase enzymes break down starch into smaller sugar units. The specific bond that holds the two glucose molecules together is known as an alpha-1,4 glycosidic bond.

Maltose is commonly found in malted foods and beverages and serves as a source of energy. Its structure and composition directly influence how it is metabolized in the body, as it can be broken down into individual glucose units for use in energy production. The other combinations of sugars listed do not form maltose, reinforcing that glucose is the sole sugar in both units of this disaccharide.