There are two types of galactose in existence, D-galactose and L-galactose. L-galactose is found in plants
and bacteria, but D-galactose is found mainly in the animal kingdom. D-galactose is found everywhere in glycosidic bonds within the animal kingdom. This bond is what surrounds the animal cell with the plasma membrane and without galactose there would be no cell. Galactose is stored in the human cell or plant cell within the cell membrane and without galactose, the animal cell membrane would just not exist. The only problem with storage can be for those who are lactose intolerant in which case they are not able to produce enough galactose for their cells. Even with D-galactose being very important to
animal cells, L-galactose is not as significant to plants as D-galactose is to animals. Galactose in plants only helps coat the membrane but is not a necessity.
In the 20th century the existence of galactose was starting to be seen by some scientists such as Kubicek, Santavy, and Boulanger. It was first seen in milk, semen, and urine all animal kingdom made substances. Then before D-galactose was found, L-galactose was found in poison ivy plants and apple tree bark. L-galactose was first found in the beginning of the 20th century discovered by scientist Lippman. This molecule is naturally made by all who area part of the animal kingdom, and even in
plants.