Fructosamine is formed by glucose binding to which molecule?

Fructosamine is formed by glucose binding to which molecule?

• A. A lipid
• B. A protein
• C. A nucleic acid
• D. A carbohydrate

Answer: (B)

Fructosamine forms when glucose non-enzymatically glycates a protein. The glucose binds to free amino groups on proteins (such as the N-terminus or lysine side chains), creating a Schiff base that rearranges into a more stable Amadori product—the fructosamine. This is why fructosamine tests reflect the average blood glucose over the past couple of weeks, since serum proteins like albumin turnover relatively quickly. It does not involve lipids, nucleic acids, or carbohydrates, so the binding to a protein is the correct concept.

Fructosamine forms when glucose non-enzymatically glycates a protein. The glucose binds to free amino groups on proteins (such as the N-terminus or lysine side chains), creating a Schiff base that rearranges into a more stable Amadori product—the fructosamine. This is why fructosamine tests reflect the average blood glucose over the past couple of weeks, since serum proteins like albumin turnover relatively quickly. It does not involve lipids, nucleic acids, or carbohydrates, so the binding to a protein is the correct concept.