galactokinase deficiency (redirected from GALK deficiency)

galactokinase deficiency

n.

An inborn error of metabolism due to a congenital deficiency of galactokinase, resulting in increased blood galactose concentration, enlargement of the liver, cataracts, and mental retardation.

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galactokinase deficiency,

an autosomal-recessive inherited disorder of carbohydrate metabolism in which the enzyme galactokinase is deficient or absent. As a result, dietary galactose is not metabolized, galactose accumulates in the blood, and cataracts may develop rapidly. Food containing galactose, such as milk and certain milk products, must be eliminated from the diet. Compare lactase deficiency.

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galactokinase [gah-lak″to-ki´nās]

an enzyme that catalyzes the first step in the metabolism of galactose, the transfer of a phosphate group from ATP to galactose, producing galactose-1-phosphate.

galactokinase deficiency a rare type of galactosemia transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait, caused by a deficiency of galactokinase. The only clinical manifestation is the development of cataracts during the first year of life, which can be prevented by a low-galactose diet.

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galactokinase

an enzyme that catalyzes the first step in the metabolism of galactose, the transfer of a phosphate group from ATP to galactose, producing galactose-1-phosphate.

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galactokinase deficiency

see galactosemia.