Triose

Trioses are the simplest monosaccharides with three carbon atoms in the carbon skeleton. They all have the molecular formula C3H6O3 and differ by the nature of the carbonyl function. If it is a ketone group, it is called ketosis, in an aldehyde group they are called aldoses. The trioses come free in the organism not before, but the phosphoric esters play an important role in carbohydrate metabolism.

The glyceraldehyde Aldotriose has a chiral center, therefore, there are two stereoisomeric forms. The ketotriose dihydroxyacetone does not have a chiral center.

Structure of all trioses

Dihydroxyacetone

Role in the metabolism

Gluconeogenesis in the carbon dioxide assimilation: In the Calvin cycle, the chloroplasts of plant glyceraldehyde -3-phosphate produced (CAP). Monosaccharides are formed from the triose phosphate.