Which condition is characterized by an inability to metabolize galactose properly?

Galactosemia is a metabolic disorder that specifically involves the body's inability to properly metabolize galactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. This condition is caused by a deficiency in one of the enzymes responsible for breaking down galactose into glucose. When galactose is not metabolized effectively, it can accumulate in the body, leading to a variety of health complications, such as liver damage, cataracts, and developmental delays if not managed through dietary restrictions.

In contrast, gout is related to the metabolism of purines and involves elevated levels of uric acid, while lactose intolerance pertains to the inability to properly digest lactose due to a deficiency in the enzyme lactase. Cystic fibrosis, although it can affect nutritional absorption and metabolism, primarily involves the lungs and pancreas. Therefore, the specific condition characterized by the inability to metabolize galactose is indeed galactosemia.