Which monosaccharides are combined to make Lactose?

Lactose is a disaccharide, commonly known as milk sugar, which is formed by the combination of two monosaccharides: glucose and galactose. In the process of lactose formation, these two simple sugars undergo a condensation reaction, where they bond together with the elimination of a water molecule. This specific pairing is crucial because each monosaccharide contributes its own unique structural and functional properties to lactose, resulting in a sugar that is distinct from other disaccharides.

Understanding the structure of lactose is important for nutrition, especially for individuals who are lactose intolerant, as they lack the enzyme lactase required to properly digest this sugar. Knowing that lactose is comprised of glucose and galactose highlights its relationship to various food sources, particularly dairy products, and its significance in human carbohydrate metabolism.