Final answer:
Maltose is a disaccharide that connects two glucose molecules with an alpha-1,4-glycosidic linkage, facilitating its digestion into glucose.
Step-by-step explanation:
The glucose molecules in maltose are connected by an alpha-1,4-glycosidic linkage. This means that the glycosidic bond forms between the first carbon (anomeric carbon) of one glucose molecule and the fourth carbon of the second glucose molecule. This type of connection allows for the easy digestion of maltose into glucose molecules for use in energy production within the body. Maltose is classified as a disaccharide because it is made up of two glucose units, and it is also known as a reducing sugar due to this particular glycosidic bond configuration.