Sugar-1-kinase with a strict substrate specificity for the alpha-anomeric configuration of D-galacturonic acid (D-GalA) and ATP. Involved in the biosynthesis of UDP-galacturonic acid (UDP-GalA) from the salvaged GalA that is released during growth-dependent cell wall restructuring. ATP + D-galacturonate = 1-phospho-alpha-D-galacturonate + ADP + H(+) Magnesium. Can also use other divalent cations like manganese or calcium. Inhibited by EDTA and ADP. Optimum pH is 7.5-7.8. Optimum temperature is 37 degrees Celsius. Expressed in roots, stems, leaves, flowers and young siliques. Higher expression in the elongating middle stem region than in the lower or upper stem region. Belongs to the GHMP kinase family.