Galactose is a simple sugar, or monosaccharide, that is found in milk and dairy products. It is one of the building blocks of lactose, the sugar present in milk. When we consume lactose, our bodies break it down into glucose and galactose, which can then be used for energy. In addition to its role in dairy, galactose is important for various biological processes. It is involved in the formation of certain molecules, such as glycoproteins and glycolipids, which are essential for cell structure and function. Understanding galactose is crucial for studying conditions like galactosemia, a genetic disorder affecting its metabolism.