Meaning of n in an equation of reaction in KEGG

Question

[Na Sed]

G10477(n) + C00009 <=> G10477(n-1) + C00103 is a reaction in KEGG. You can find its page here. Could you please tell me what is the role/meaning of n?

Answer 1

[Devon Ryan]

You start with a length n of 1,3-beta-D-Glucan and the reaction results in the removal of one (so you have n-1). This is also a chemistry question, which is a bit off-topic here.

[Na Sed]

@Devon Ryan Thank you. Is this different from when the coefficient comes before the name of the compound?

[Devon Ryan]

I assume by coefficient you mean things such as 1,3 in 1,3-beta-D-Glucan. Yes, they're completely different. I recommend you consult an intro chemistry book.