galactose transmembrane transporter activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Enables the transfer of galactose from one side of a membrane to the other. D-galactose is widely distributed in combined form in plants, animals and microorganisms as a constituent of oligo- and polysaccharides; it also occurs in galactolipids and as its glucoside in lactose and melibiose. [GOC:ai, GOC:mtg_transport, ISBN:0815340729, RHEA:34915]

Galactose transmembrane transporter activity is a molecular function that describes the movement of galactose across cell membranes. This process is essential for the uptake and utilization of galactose, a simple sugar found in various dietary sources like milk and dairy products. Galactose transmembrane transporters are integral membrane proteins that facilitate the passive or active transport of galactose down or against its concentration gradient, respectively. These transporters typically exhibit high specificity for galactose, ensuring its efficient transport while minimizing the movement of other sugars. The mechanism of transport can involve facilitated diffusion, where the transporter simply facilitates the movement of galactose down its concentration gradient, or active transport, which requires energy to move galactose against its concentration gradient. This energy can be derived from ATP hydrolysis or by coupling the transport of galactose to the movement of another molecule down its concentration gradient. The activity of galactose transmembrane transporters is essential for various physiological processes, including the absorption of galactose from the gut, the delivery of galactose to the liver for metabolism, and the utilization of galactose by various tissues. Defects in galactose transmembrane transporter activity can lead to impaired galactose metabolism, resulting in pathological conditions such as galactosemia.'
"

Proteins (3)

Compounds (18)