D-(+)-Galactose

Galactose, a member of a group of carbohydrates known as simple sugars (monosaccharides). It is usually found in nature combined with other sugars, as, for example, in lactose (milk sugar). Galactose is also found in complex carbohydrates (see polysaccharide) and in carbohydrate-containing lipids called glycolipids. It is used as a source of carbon and contributes to energy metabolism via its conversion to glucose by the enzymes that constitute the Leloir pathway. It is used in various media for the cultivation of bacteria and fungi. The metabolic steps of D-galactose utilization are catalysed by the GalK (galactokinase), GalT (galactose 1-phosphateuridylyl transferase), and GalE (UDP-galactose-4-epimerase) proteins.

Galactose can be used as a carbohydrate source for diverse organisms for example lactobacilli, coliforms, Salmonella and streptococci. It is a simple monosaccharide that serves as an energy and carbon source for the cultivation of various of bacteria, fungi and yeasts in many industries such as food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics