Galactose is a simple sugar or monosaccharide. It's related to glucose, with both sugars produced through the same process. Galactose is important to the metabolism of all living organisms, and the structure of plants.
Properties of Galactose
Its molecular formula is C6H12O6, making it an isomer of glucose. They share the same chemical formula but differ in structure.
Galactose is a white crystalline solid at room temperature. It's hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb moisture from the environment. Soluble in water it facilitates absorption in the digestive system.
Unlike glucose, galactose does not easily ferment. It has a milder sweetness profile. In glycolysis, galactose can be converted into glucose, providing energy to the body.
A monosaccharide, galactose is a single molecule. It's also an aldohexose, meaning it has six carbon atoms and an aldehyde group. It's necessary for energy and cellular function. Both glucose and galactose are aldehydes.
An aldehyde is an organic compound with a group made of the elements carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O), or at its basic, CHO. Aldehydes have several functions including human vision, and in forms of vitamin B6.
Galactose & Human Health
Purpose of Galactose
The primary purpose of galactose in the human body is as an energy source. Once absorbed, it's converted to glucose in the liver, which can then enter metabolic pathways for energy production.
It's a key component in glycoproteins and glycolipids, which are vital for cell signaling and interactions. In the brain, galactose helps synthesize glycosphingolipids for healthy nerve function.
Effects on the Human Body
While galactose is beneficial and necessary for our body's functioning, excess levels cause health problems. Galactosemia, a genetic disorder, prevents proper metabolization of galactose.
It's characterized by toxic accumulation. Symptoms include jaundice, vomiting, and, in severe cases, developmental disabilities, further liver damage and cataracts. About 1 in 60,000 people have this condition.
For others galactose is a safe component of the diet. It contributes to energy levels and is part of bodily functions. In the brain, galactose provides energy to neurons and supports cognitive functions.
Galactose & the Environment
Production of Galactose in Nature
Galactose is produced primarily through breakdown of lactose, the sugar found in milk. In digestion, lactose is reduced by the enzyme lactase into glucose and galactose.
This is influential for health of mammals who drink milk in infancy. The enzyme lactase facilitates absorption of galactose into the bloodstream for energy production and other metabolic processes.
Galactose is also produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in fermentation. LAB are found in dairy and various fermented foods. The bacteria break down lactose to produce glucose and galactose as byproducts.
The primary job of lactic acid bacteria in industrial and home fermentations is to convert lactose, a disaccharide, into lactic acid. In the initial phase the molecule forms glucose and galactose or g-phosphate through hydrolysis.
Hydrolysis is the chemical breakdown of a compound due to reaction with water. This breakdown helps digestion of lactose and expands the nutritional profile of fermented products.
Presence in the Environment
In the environment, galactose is common in dairy products, fruits, and some plants. Foods such as cheese, yogurt, and milk are rich in galactose.
Legumes such as green beans and vegetables like carrots also contain this sugar. It occurs in small quantities in fruit such as apples, bananas, cherries and pears.
Galactose is also part of polysaccharides such as galactans, which exist in cell walls of many plants, and gum from seaweed. Red algae contain galactose-derived polysaccharides, essential for their structure.
These polysaccharides have thickening and gelling properties. They're used in some commercial and homestead food products. They can be extracted by hydrolysis, for instance soaking green beans in water.
Galactose synthesizes glycolipids and glycoproteins, essential components of cell membranes. These molecules are involved in cell recognition, signaling, and adhesion processes.
In the natural environment, galactose and derivatives contribute to the health of soil. As a component of plant cell walls and organic matter, galactose improves soil structure and nutrient retention.
Lactic acid bacteria involved in fermentation enhance soil microbial diversity and health, promoting robust growth of plants. Probiotics include Lactobacillus, a type of lactic acid bacteria.
These bacteria can increase soil fertility by up to 30% when galactose-rich organic matter is introduced. As it's important to fermentation, galactose contributing to nutrient cycling
An example of bacterial fermentation is yogurt, rich in galactose. It enhances growth of probiotic bacteria.
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