D-MelezitoseMelezitose is a nonreducing trisaccharide sugar, belonging to the class of organic compounds known as oligosaccharides. It is produced by many plant sap-eating insects. This is beneficial to the insects, as it reduces the stress of osmosis by reducing their own water potential. The melezitose is part of the honeydew which acts as an attractant for aunts and also as a food for bees. This is useful to the lice as they have a symbiotic relationship with ants. Melezitose can be partially hydrolyzed to glucose and turanose the latter of which is an isomer of sucrose.
|
