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?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The 1,4 linkage between galactose and glucose in lactose is a β configuration. The β configuration results from the orientation of the hydroxyl group on the anomeric carbon of the galactose monosaccharide, which is trans to the CH2OH group on the glucose monosaccharide.

Lactose, the Sugar Found in Milk, Is a Disaccharide of Galactose