Galaktosemolekül

Galaktosemolekül refers to a molecule of galactose. Galactose is a monosaccharide, a simple sugar, with the chemical formula C6H12O6. It is one of the two components of lactose, the sugar found in milk. The other component is glucose. Galactose is an epimer of glucose, meaning it differs from glucose in the configuration around a single carbon atom. Specifically, it differs at the C-4 position.

Galactose is an aldohexose, indicating it is a six-carbon sugar with an aldehyde group. In aqueous solution, galactose exists primarily in its cyclic form, as pyranose rings. The two main forms are alpha-galactopyranose and beta-galactopyranose. These cyclic forms are in equilibrium with the open-chain aldehyde form.

In biological systems, galactose is an important component of various complex carbohydrates, such as glycoproteins and glycolipids, where it plays roles in cell recognition and signaling. The human body can synthesize galactose, but it is also obtained through the diet, mainly from dairy products. The metabolism of galactose is closely linked to that of glucose. Defects in galactose metabolism can lead to galactosemia, a genetic disorder. While chemically similar to glucose, galactose has distinct physical properties and biological functions.