Classification of Raffinose

Raffinose is a-

Correct Answer: Trisaccharide

Raffinose is a trisaccharide made of three monosaccharides: Galactose + Glucose + Fructose. It is found in legumes, beans, cabbage, and beet roots.

Carbohydrate Classification

• Monosaccharides (1 sugar): Pentoses (Ribose, Deoxyribose, Xylose, Arabinose); Hexoses (Glucose, Galactose, Fructose, Mannose)
• Disaccharides (2 sugars):
  • Sucrose = Glucose + Fructose
  • Lactose = Glucose + Galactose (milk sugar)
  • Maltose = Glucose + Glucose (α-1,4 glycosidic bond)
  • Cellobiose = Glucose + Glucose (β-1,4 glycosidic bond)
• Trisaccharides (3 sugars): Raffinose = Galactose + Glucose + Fructose
• Polysaccharides (many): Homopolysaccharides (Cellulose, Glycogen, Starch, Dextrin); Heteropolysaccharides (Hemicelluloses, Chitin, Pectin)

Why Raffinose Causes Flatulence?

• Humans and monogastrics lack α-galactosidase → raffinose passes undigested to colon → bacterial fermentation → gas production (CO₂, H₂, CH₄)