Galactosemia is a potentially fatal disease that occurs in humans who lack the enzyme that converts galactose to glucose. If you were a physician treating a person with this disease, which of the following would you have them exclude from their diet?a. maltoseb. starchc. mannosed. lactose

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the condition: Galactosemia is a genetic disorder where the body cannot convert galactose into glucose due to the lack of the enzyme galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase.
2. Identify the source of galactose: Galactose is a sugar that is commonly found in lactose, which is a disaccharide composed of glucose and galactose.
3. Analyze the options: Consider which of the given options contains galactose. Lactose is the only sugar in the list that contains galactose.
4. Consider dietary implications: Since individuals with galactosemia cannot process galactose, they should avoid foods containing lactose to prevent the accumulation of galactose in the body.
5. Conclude the dietary recommendation: Advise the patient to exclude lactose from their diet to manage galactosemia effectively.

Key Concepts

Galactosemia

Galactosemia is a genetic metabolic disorder characterized by the body's inability to properly metabolize galactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. This condition arises from a deficiency in the enzyme galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase, which is essential for converting galactose into glucose. Without treatment, galactose can accumulate in the body, leading to serious health complications.

Dietary Restrictions

Individuals with galactosemia must adhere to strict dietary restrictions to avoid foods that contain galactose. This includes eliminating lactose, which is a disaccharide sugar composed of glucose and galactose, primarily found in milk and dairy products. By avoiding lactose, patients can prevent the harmful effects of galactose accumulation and manage their condition effectively.

Enzymatic Function

Enzymatic function refers to the role of enzymes in facilitating biochemical reactions in the body. In the case of galactosemia, the lack of the enzyme responsible for converting galactose to glucose disrupts normal metabolic processes. Understanding how enzymes work and their specific functions is crucial for recognizing the implications of enzyme deficiencies and the dietary adjustments needed to manage metabolic disorders.