Microbiology

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Galactose

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Microbiology

Definition

Galactose is a monosaccharide sugar that is less sweet than glucose and commonly found in milk. It plays a crucial role in cellular energy production and is an important component of glycolipids and glycoproteins.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Galactose is metabolized in the liver through the Leloir pathway.
  2. It can be converted into glucose-1-phosphate, which enters the glycolytic pathway.
  3. Galactosemia is a metabolic disorder caused by the inability to properly metabolize galactose.
  4. Enzymes involved in galactose metabolism include galactokinase, galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase, and UDP-galactose-4'-epimerase.
  5. Galactose forms part of lactose when combined with glucose.

Review Questions

  • What pathway metabolizes galactose in the liver?
  • What metabolic disorder is associated with impaired galactose metabolism?
  • Which enzymes are involved in the conversion of galactose to glucose intermediates?
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