Question:

Classic galactosemia is due to deficiency of which enzyme?

Show Hint

The classic, severe galactosemia is the GALT (uridyltransferase) defect, not galactokinase.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase
  • HGPRT
  • Galactokinase
  • Epimerase
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Galactosemia is an autosomal recessive disorder of galactose metabolism in which a deficient enzyme prevents proper conversion of galactose (mainly from milk lactose) into glucose-1-phosphate.
Step 2: Classic (type I, most common and most severe) galactosemia is caused by deficiency of galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT). This causes toxic accumulation of galactose-1-phosphate, leading to vomiting, hepatomegaly, jaundice, cataracts, and E. coli sepsis in neonates.
Step 3: Because the question asks for the classic enzyme defect of galactosemia, option (a) GALT is correct.
Step 4: Galactokinase deficiency (c) is a milder variant causing mainly cataracts; epimerase deficiency (d) is the rarest variant; HGPRT (b) belongs to purine metabolism and is unrelated.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0