MOLECULE

Galactose 1-phosphate

Galactose 1-phosphate, also known as alpha-D-gal-1-p or α-D-gal-1-p, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as monosaccharide phosphates. These are monosaccharides comprising a phosphated group linked to the carbohydrate unit. A D-Galactose 1-phosphate having alpha-configuration at the anomeric centre. Galactose 1-phosphate is an extremely weak basic (essentially neutral) compound (based on its pKa). Galactose 1-phosphate exists in all living species, ranging from bacteria to humans. Within humans, galactose 1-phosphate participates in a number of enzymatic reactions. In particular, galactose 1-phosphate can be biosynthesized from D-galactose through the action of the enzyme galactokinase. In addition, galactose 1-phosphate and uridine diphosphate glucose can be biosynthesized from uridine diphosphategalactose and glucose 1-phosphate through its interaction with the enzyme galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase. In humans, galactose 1-phosphate is involved in galactose metabolism. Outside of the human body, Galactose 1-phosphate is found, on average, in the highest concentration within milk (cow). Galactose 1-phosphate has also been detected, but not quantified in, milk and milk products. This could make galactose 1-phosphate a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. Galactose 1-phosphate is expected to be in Cannabis as all living plants are known to produce and metabolize it.