Glycoproteins and Glycolipids

What is glycosylation?

The process by which carbohydrate chains are attached to phospholipid or membrane proteins.

What does glycosylation result in?

It results in a glycolipid or a glycoprotein.

Where are carbohydrate chains located in relation to the cell membrane?

They are located on the extracellular side of the membrane.

What important roles do carbohydrate chains play?

They play important roles in cell adhesion and cell recognition.

What is a glycoprotein and its function in cell adhesion?

A type of glycoprotein that adheres skin cells to each other, creating a tight physical barrier.

What does the glycoprotein desmosome do?

It keeps skin cells tightly connected, serving as a primary defense against pathogens.

What are glycolipids related to blood types?

The ABO blood group antigens on the surface of red blood cells are a type of glycolipid.

How do glycolipids contribute to cell recognition?

They have specific carbohydrate chains that aid in identifying cell types, such as blood types.