ScienceJuly 13, 2026
ketose
/ˈkiːtoʊs/
Definition
A type of simple sugar (monosaccharide) characterized by the presence of a ketone group in its molecular structure.
Etymology
Derived from the word 'ketone' combined with the chemical suffix '-ose' used to denote sugars. 'Ketone' itself is a German coinage from the late 19th century, adapted from 'acetone'.
In the news
The article uses 'ketose' to classify erythrulose, the specific sugar molecule discovered in interstellar space, highlighting its chemical structure as a four-carbon ketose.
First sugar molecule detected in interstellar space stuns scientists
Read the full article ↗MSN