Holoside

Holosides are polymers composed only of monosaccharides.

The different types of holoside

There are different types of holoside depending on the nature and number of monosaccharides.

If there are at least 10 monosaccharides involved, they are called oligosaccharides, if there are more they are called polysaccharides.

Homogeneous holosides result from the polymerisation of identical monosaccharides. This is the case for cellulose which is a chain of glucose molecules.

Heterogeneous holosides are polymers from differing monosaccharides. This is the case for mucopolysaccharides.