Glucose and galactose are two isomeric monosaccharides known as:

Options

A. anomers
B. epimers
C. sugars
D. amino sugars

Answer

To answer the question "Glucose and galactose are two isomeric monosaccharides known as:", we need to analyze the characteristics of glucose and galactose and the options provided.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Compounds**:
- Glucose and galactose are both monosaccharides, which means they are the simplest form of carbohydrates and cannot be hydrolyzed into simpler sugars.

2. **Determine the Molecular Formula**:
- Both glucose and galactose have the same molecular formula, C6H12O6, indicating that they are isomers of each other.

3. **Analyze the Structural Differences**:
- The structural difference between glucose and galactose lies in the arrangement of atoms. Specifically, they differ at one stereogenic (chiral) carbon atom. In glucose, the hydroxyl group (-OH) on the fourth carbon is on the right side, while in galactose, it is on the left side.

4. **Define Epimers**:
- Epimers are a specific type of stereoisomer that differ in configuration at only one specific carbon atom. Since glucose and galactose differ at the fourth carbon, they are classified as epimers.

5. **Evaluate the Options**:
- Anomers: These are a type of epimer that differ at the anomeric carbon (the carbon that was part of the carbonyl group in the open-chain form).
- Epimers: Correct choice, as explained above.
- Sugars: While both are sugars, this term is too broad and does not specifically address their isomeric relationship.
- Amino sugars: These contain an amino group and are not applicable to glucose and galactose.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the correct answer is that glucose and galactose are two isomeric monosaccharides known as **epimers**.

### Final Answer:
Glucose and galactose are two isomeric monosaccharides known as **epimers**.