Lactose, known as milk sugar, consists of b-D-galactose and b-D-glucose units with a linkage between C₁ of galactose and C₄ of glucose. Lactose exhibits reducing properties as a free aldehyde group may be produced at C-1 of the glucose unit.
Identify the components of lactose, its linkage, and why it exhibits reducing properties.
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Lactose is a disaccharide composed of one molecule of glucose and one molecule of galactose, linked by a β-1,4-glycosidic linkage. The linkage involves the anomeric carbon of glucose and the fourth carbon of galactose. Lactose exhibits reducing properties because it contains a free anomeric carbon in the glucose unit. This anomeric carbon can undergo a redox reaction, reducing other substances. Lactose is commonly found in milk and serves as a significant energy source for infants. Its reducing nature is essential for various physiological processes, including the digestion of lactose into its constituent monosaccharides.