Galactosides are a type of carbohydrate known as glycosides, which consist of a sugar molecule, specifically galactose, linked to another molecule. They can be found in various plants and microorganisms and play important roles in biological processes, such as cell recognition and signaling. These compounds can be classified into different categories based on their structure and function. For example, lactose, a common galactoside, is found in milk and is made up of glucose and galactose. Galactosides are also studied for their potential health benefits, including their role in gut health and immune function.