What is the unknown monosaccharide?
•
4 min read
While common sugars like glucose and fructose are well-documented, a significant aspect of carbohydrate research explores the existence of theoretically possible but rarely or never-observed simple sugars. But what is the unknown monosaccharide, and is it possible for one to exist outside of current scientific understanding? This article explores the conceptual and practical reasons behind the identification and classification of monosaccharides, and what a truly 'unknown' one would entail for modern science.
