Dgalaktóza

Dgalaktóza is a monosaccharide, a type of sugar. It is an epimer of glucose, meaning it differs from glucose in the configuration of only one chiral center. Specifically, the hydroxyl group on the fourth carbon atom is oriented differently. Dgalaktóza is a key component of lactose, the sugar found in milk. When lactose is digested, it is broken down into glucose and Dgalaktóza.

In biological systems, Dgalaktóza plays important roles. It is a building block for various complex carbohydrates, including glycoproteins and glycolipids, which are essential for cell recognition and signaling. It is also a component of certain dietary fibers. The metabolic pathway for Dgalaktóza differs from that of glucose. It is first phosphorylated to Dgalaktóza-1-phosphate, which then undergoes a series of enzymatic reactions to be converted into glucose-6-phosphate, a common intermediate in glycolysis.

A deficiency in the enzyme galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase, which is crucial for Dgalaktóza metabolism, leads to galactosemia, a serious metabolic disorder. Individuals with galactosemia cannot properly process Dgalaktóza, leading to the accumulation of toxic metabolites. Dietary restrictions, particularly the avoidance of lactose, are essential for managing this condition. While Dgalaktóza is naturally found in milk and dairy products, it can also be found in small amounts in other foods like legumes and certain fruits.