Galactoside

/ɡəˌlæktɔˈsaɪd/ noun

Definition

A compound formed when galactose bonds with another molecule, such as another sugar or an alcohol, commonly found in cells and tissues.

Etymology

From 'galactose' (milk sugar) + '-ide' (suffix for chemical compounds), naming molecules that contain galactose as a component.

Kelly Says

Galactosides are the chemical 'spelling system' cells use to mark themselves—immune cells can recognize foreign galactosides and identify bacteria, which is why researchers studying disease use these molecules to understand immune recognition.

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