Monosaccharides are covalently linked by what type of linkages?

Prepare for the Foundations of Biology Exam 1. Dive into key biological concepts with multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations. Ace the exam with our efficient study methods!

Monosaccharides are joined by glycosidic linkages, which are covalent bonds formed when a hydroxyl group of one sugar reacts with another sugar (often at the anomeric carbon) in a dehydration synthesis. This covalent connection creates the polymeric carbohydrate chains we see in starch, cellulose, and glycogen. Ionic bonds and hydrogen bonds are noncovalent and do not link monomers into a polymer, while the broad term covalent bonds is true but not specific enough—the precise type of linkage between sugar units is glycosidic.