Reaction of UTP and alpha-d-galactose 1-phosphate with [U-(14)C]sucrose in the presence of a Vicia faba dormant-seed preparation yielded the trisaccharide raffinose. 2. UTP-alpha-d-galactose 1-phosphate-uridylyltransferase activity has been demonstrated in the bean preparation and evidence for the participation of UDP-galactose in the trisaccharide synthesis is presented. 3. UDP-galactose 4-epimerase is present in the dormant seed. 4. The biosynthesis of raffinose in relation to the metabolism of other carbohydrates in plants is discussed.