Galactinol (CAS 3687-64-7)

Galactinol, formally known as O-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-(1->1)-myo-inositol, is a naturally occurring galactoside that plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs). As a fundamental compound in plant biology, galactinol serves as a donor of galactosyl residues during the synthesis of larger sugar molecules like raffinose and stachyose. This biochemical process is particularly important in plants for adapting to abiotic stress, such as drought and cold, by stabilizing cellular structures and maintaining osmotic balance. In scientific research, galactinol is frequently used to study carbohydrate metabolism within plants, especially in relation to stress response mechanisms and energy storage. Its synthesis in plants is catalyzed by the enzyme galactinol synthase, which combines UDP-galactose and myo-inositol to form galactinol, a reaction that has been extensively studied to understand its regulation and function in stress physiology. By examining the roles and regulation of galactinol in various plant species, researchers have been able to gain insights into the genetic and enzymatic pathways involved in plant resilience and adaptation. This research contributes to broader agricultural strategies aimed at improving crop resistance to environmental stresses, enhancing understanding of plant metabolic pathways without direct implications for therapeutic or pharmaceutical uses.