What is the difference between maltose and amylose?
•
6 min read
Maltose, a simple sugar found in germinating seeds, is fundamentally different from amylose, a complex polysaccharide, despite both being composed of glucose units. A primary distinction lies in their size: maltose is a disaccharide containing two glucose units, while amylose is a much larger polymer, potentially containing thousands. This size difference dictates their functions, with maltose serving as a quick energy source and amylose acting as long-term energy storage in plants.
