Glycoproteins: Difference between revisions
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Glycoproteins are [[Proteins|proteins]] attached to [[Carbohydrate|carbohydrates]] located on the outer layer of the [[ | Glycoproteins are [[Proteins|proteins]] that are covalently attached to [[Carbohydrate|carbohydrates]] (small oligosaccharides) located on the outer layer of the [[Plasma membrane|plasma membrane]]. They serve the function of [[Cell|cell]] recognition due to specific [[Glycosylation|glycosylation]] patterns for individual cells. Being part of the cell's surface membrane means the glycoprotein participates in cell adhesion.This is caused by the complex nature of [[Carbohydrate|carbohydrate]] bonding and branching. Their complex nature means they are very versatile molecules and as such, serve many other biochemical functions. | ||
Revision as of 14:58, 1 December 2011
Glycoproteins are proteins that are covalently attached to carbohydrates (small oligosaccharides) located on the outer layer of the plasma membrane. They serve the function of cell recognition due to specific glycosylation patterns for individual cells. Being part of the cell's surface membrane means the glycoprotein participates in cell adhesion.This is caused by the complex nature of carbohydrate bonding and branching. Their complex nature means they are very versatile molecules and as such, serve many other biochemical functions.