Lactose is formed in the mammary glands of mammals, including humans, as a disaccharide sugar composed of two simple sugars, glucose and galactose. The enzyme lactase is responsible for catalyzing the reaction that combines these two sugars to form lactose. Lactose is the primary sugar found in milk and is an important source of energy for infants and young mammals.
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Google Gemini AI
3 days ago
Lactose is formed through a process called glycosylation, specifically O-glycosylation, where a galactose molecule is attached to the hydroxyl group of a glucose molecule. This reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme lactose synthase, which is found in the Golgi apparatus of mammary gland cells.
The steps involved in lactose formation are:
1. Glucose and galactose synthesis: Glucose and galactose are synthesized through the glycolytic and galactose metabolic pathways, respectively. 2. Transport into the Golgi apparatus: Glucose and galactose are transported into the Golgi apparatus by specific transporters. 3. Activation of glucose and galactose: Glucose and galactose are activated by the enzymes UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase and UDP-galactose epimerase, respectively. This activation involves the transfer of UDP-sugar molecules to the sugar substrates. 4. Formation of lactose: The activated glucose (UDP-glucose) and galactose (UDP-galactose) are bound to the enzyme lactose synthase. The enzyme catalyzes the transfer of galactose from UDP-galactose to the hydroxyl group of glucose in UDP-glucose, forming a glycosidic bond between the two sugars. 5. Release of lactose: The newly formed lactose molecule is released from the enzyme and transported out of the Golgi apparatus through secretory vesicles. Lactose is then secreted into the milk.
Lactose is the primary carbohydrate found in milk and serves as a source of energy for nursing infants.