In the context of carbohydrates, here are the terms you've mentioned explained in more detail:
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Multi Unit Carbohydrate Chain: This refers to polysaccharides, which are large molecules made up of numerous monosaccharide (single sugar) units linked together. Common examples include starch, glycogen, and cellulose. These chains can vary in length and complexity, and they can be linear or branched.
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Single Carbohydrate Unit: This is typically referred to as a monosaccharide. Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates and consist of a single sugar molecule. Examples include glucose, fructose, and galactose. They are the building blocks for more complex carbohydrates.
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Bond Between Carbohydrate Units: The bond that links monosaccharide units together to form disaccharides, oligosaccharides, or polysaccharides is called a glycosidic bond. This bond is formed through a dehydration reaction (also called a condensation reaction), where a molecule of water is removed as two monosaccharides bond together. The type of glycosidic bond can vary depending on the specific monosaccharides involved and their orientation (alpha or beta configuration).
In summary, monosaccharides are the building blocks, glycosidic bonds connect them into longer chains, forming multi-unit carbohydrate structures like polysaccharides.
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