What type of carbohydrate metabolism is compromised in galactosemia due to the deficiency of galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase?

Understand the Problem

The question is asking about the specific type of carbohydrate metabolism that is affected in galactosemia due to the lack of the enzyme galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase. This is related to how carbohydrates are processed in the body and the implications of the enzyme deficiency.

More Information

Galactosemia is a rare genetic disorder that leads to impaired metabolism of galactose, a sugar that is mainly derived from milk products. When the enzyme galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase is deficient, toxic levels of galactose-1-phosphate accumulate, leading to various symptoms.

Tips

A common error is to mistakenly associate the condition with general glucose metabolism instead of specifically galactose metabolism.

Sources

• Galactose-1-Phosphate Uridyltransferase Deficiency (Galactosemia) - emedicine.medscape.com
• Galactosemia | Boston Children's Hospital - childrenshospital.org