The Difference Between an Aldose Sugar and a Ketose Sugar

Question

The difference between an aldose sugar and a ketose sugar is ________.
A) the number of carbon atoms
B) the position of the hydroxyl groups
C) the position of the carbonyl group
D) the ring form and the linear chain

Accepted Answer

The primary difference between aldose and ketose sugars lies in the position of the carbonyl group. In aldoses, the carbonyl group is at the end of the molecule (forming an aldehyde group), while in ketoses, it is positioned within the chain (forming a ketone group).