This gene encodes a highly efficient N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) kinase, which has galactokinase activity when galactose is present at high concentrations. The encoded protein is a member of the GHMP kinase family. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Jun 2017] Diseases associated with GALK2 include Galactosemia Ii and Galactosemia Iii. Among its related pathways is Galactose metabolism. Gene Ontology (GO) annotations related to this gene include galactokinase activity and N-acetylgalactosamine kinase activity. An important paralog of this gene is GALK1. Acts on GalNAc. Also acts as a galactokinase when galactose is present at high concentrations. May be involved in a salvage pathway for the reutilization of free GalNAc derived from the degradation of complex carbohydrates. cytosol 4