galactokinase

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.

ga·lac·to·ki·nase

(gă-lak'tō-kī'nās),

An enzyme (a phosphotransferase) that, in the presence of ATP, catalyzes the phosphorylation of d-galactose to d-galactose-1-phosphate, the first step in the metabolism of d-galactose; galactokinase is deficient in one form of galactosemia.

ga·lac·to·ki·nase

(gă-lak'tō-kī'nās)

An enzyme (phosphotransferase) that, in the presence of adenosine triphosphate, catalyzes the phosphorylation of d-galactose to d-galactose-l-phosphate, the first step in the metabolism of d-galactose; galactokinase is deficient in one form of galactosemia.