Biomolecular structure

[mktsgm]

TL;DR Summary

What factors determine a particular molecular structure and its typical folding?

What determines protein/biomolecule folding or why it folds in a particular way?

For instance, both glucose and fructose have same molecular formula (C6H12O6) with same chemical constituents (CHO) . But glucose has its carbonyl group at the end of the carbon chain, but fructose has its carbonyl group within the carbon chain.

Their hydroxyl groups are also differently attached to the carbon atoms, leading to different ring formation. But what makes the hydroxyl groups to attach differently in the first place?

Can someone throw light on what primary factors are involved in such a different attachment sites for functional groups and their subsequent structural formation in glucose and fructose (in spite of them having same chemical constituents)?

Can you help me clarifying this? Thanks in advance.

 

[pinball1970]

TL;DR Summary: What factors determine a particular molecular structure and its typical folding?

What determines protein/biomolecule folding or why it folds in a particular way?

For instance, both glucose and fructose have same molecular formula (C6H12O6) with same chemical constituents (CHO) . But glucose has its carbonyl group at the end of the carbon chain, but fructose has its carbonyl group within the carbon chain.

Their hydroxyl groups are also differently attached to the carbon atoms, leading to different ring formation. But what makes the hydroxyl groups to attach differently in the first place?

Can someone throw light on what primary factors are involved in such a different attachment sites for functional groups and their subsequent structural formation in glucose and fructose (in spite of them having same chemical constituents)?

Can you help me clarifying this? Thanks in advance.

I would Associate folding with proteins not simple sugars.

Glucose comes in different forms, isomers depending on the initial conditions cell types enzymes and I would look at "Van 't Hoff's theory of asymmetrical carbon atoms." - wiki article.

Also the polyol pathway which converts Glucose to Fructose. Again whatever enzymes are available and whatever is ergonomically favourable.