D-Ribose Overview
Ribose is a carbohydrate and simple sugar.
Often sold as a health supplement, d-ribose is a fine crystalline powder which has a sweet taste and is soluble in water.
D-ribose is one of two enantiomers of ribose; the other being l-ribose. D-ribose is formed naturally whilst l-ribose is synthetic.
The molecular structure of d-ribose and l-ribose is identical except in their arrangement – they are mirror images of each other - hence they are classed as enantiomers.
Background of ribose
D-ribose was first reported by the chemist Emil Fisher in 1891, whose pioneering work focused on the study of sugars. There are two types of sugars: simple and complex – a sugars chemical properties determines which category it belongs to.
Emil's work on simple sugars was ground breaking and led to a greater understanding of the different types and properties of sugars within this sugar category.
D-ribose Structural Formula
An organic compound, the chemical structure of d-ribose is C5H10O5.
Where is d-ribose found?
D-ribose is naturally occurring. This simple sugar is ingested through our diet and is found in all living cells. D-ribose is primarily found in ribonucleic acid (RNA). A genetic material, RNA is similar to DNA but is usually single stranded unlike double stranded DNA.
Found within a cells nucleus, DNA contains the genetic blueprint whilst RNA carries out the genetic instructions turning the blueprint into protein molecules.