What two components combine to form maltose?

Maltose is a disaccharide sugar that is formed by the combination of two glucose molecules. This occurs through a process called dehydration synthesis, where a molecule of water is removed, allowing the two glucose units to bond together via a glycosidic linkage. This reaction is a key aspect of carbohydrate chemistry, demonstrating how simple sugars can join to create more complex carbohydrates.

Understanding the components of maltose is essential for grasping basic nutritional science, especially for those studying the biochemical processes related to carbohydrate metabolism. The other combinations listed do not produce maltose: fructose paired with glucose creates sucrose, while galactose and glucose form lactose. Fructose paired with itself does not yield a common disaccharide relevant in human nutrition. This knowledge is fundamental for nutrition coaches who need to explain carbohydrate sources and their implications on dietary planning.