Galactose
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Galactose is a biologically significant hexose sugar that combines with glucose to form lactose. It occurs in animal organisms as part of cerebrosides and participates in the formation of certain glycosides and complex plant carbohydrates.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
Galactose, C6H12O6, one of the hexoses having biological significance (see). In combination with glucose, it forms milk sugar, from which it is obtained by hydrolysis. In addition, G. is found in the animal organism as part of cerebrosides (see Lipoids) and participates in the construction of certain glycosides and complex plant carbohydrates (galactans). G. forms crystals of sweet taste, melting point 169°; specific rotation [α]D = +81°. It gives characteristic methylphenylhydrazone and phenylosazone (melting point 196°). For the detection of G., oxidation with nitric acid is used, which converts galactose into mucic acid—a sparingly soluble powder with a melting point of 225°. Galactose reduces Fehling's solution; it is fermented with difficulty by yeast.
Related articles
Mentioned in
Cite this page
“Galactose.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/galactose/