Lactose,the sugar found in milk,is a disaccharide of galactose and glucose in a 1,4 linkage.What is the configuration of the 1,4 linkage between the two glycoses in lactose?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The 1,4 linkage between galactose and glucose in lactose is referred to as a β-glycosidic linkage. This means that the anomeric carbon (carbon 1) of galactose is linked to the hydroxyl group on carbon 4 of glucose in a trans configuration, with both sugars in a chair conformation. This configuration is characteristic of lactose and is important for understanding its properties and how it is metabolized by the body.

Lactose,the Sugar Found in Milk,is a Disaccharide of Galactose and Glucose