Galactokinase

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Galactokinase is an enzyme that catalyzes the phosphorylation of galactose to galactose-1-phosphate using ATP as a phosphate donor. This enzyme is important in the metabolism of galactose, a simple sugar found in milk and dairy products, as well as in some fruits and vegetables.
Galactose is converted to glucose-1-phosphate by a series of enzymes, including galactokinase, and then enters the glycolytic pathway to produce energy. Deficiencies in galactokinase can lead to a rare genetic disorder called galactosemia, in which galactose and its metabolites accumulate in the body, causing damage to organs and tissues.
Galactokinase is found in many different types of organisms, including bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals, and has been extensively studied as a model system for understanding the regulation of enzyme activity and the molecular mechanisms of protein-protein interactions.