Panose is a non-reducing trisaccharide composed of three D-glucopyranose units linked through α-(1→6) and α-(1→4) glycosidic bonds. It has the molecular formula C₁₈H₃₂O₁₆ and a molecular weight of 504.44 g/mol. Panose functions as a plant metabolite and is also found in organisms such as Drosophila melanogaster. It typically appears as a white, water-soluble powder. 

Chemical Structure

Panose is defined chemically as O-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-O-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-D-glucose. This structure forms a branched configuration at the reducing-end glucose. Crystal structure analyses have described characteristic conformational features, particularly torsion angles that stabilize pyranose ring geometry. Available structural descriptors, such as SMILES notation, support its precise stereochemistry.

Biological Occurrence and Role

Panose occurs as a natural plant metabolite and represents a key intermediate in starch hydrolysis catalyzed by enzymes such as α-amylase. It is also referenced in nutritional contexts concerning carbohydrate digestion and has been detected in Drosophila, linking it to metabolic processes. Some studies mention its potential use as a tetrasaccharide cosubstrate in oligosaccharide synthesis, although it remains primarily categorized as a trisaccharide.

Preparation and Applications

Panose is commercially available as an analytical standard for biochemical and carbohydrate research. It can be produced enzymatically from starch-derived substrates, supporting its application in prebiotic development, glycosidic linkage analysis, and enzymology studies. Its stability and defined structure make it suitable for investigations involving glucoamylase substrates and plant carbohydrate metabolism.