B1.1.7 - the Role of Glycoproteins in Cell-cell recognition

Define a glycoprotein

proteins found in the cell membrane with short chains of sugars (oligosaccharides) attached, and projecting outwards from the cell membrane

How do glycoproteins allow for cell-cell recognition?

The oligosaccharides interact with the carbohydrate-binding proteins in adjacent cells

Outline how glycoproteins allow for immune responses + tissue creation

• immune response: the distinct oligosaccharides of cells allows multicellular organisms to recognize foreign or infected cells

• Tissue: Oligosaccharides in adjacent cells can become linked, binding cells together into a tissue

What is one example of cell recognition using glycoproteins in the body?

blood type recognition

Explain how glycoproteins allow for blood type recognition

All blood cells can have 3 possible types of oligosaccharides (A, B, O), and each blood cell only has 1-2 types present

If a blood cell with oligosaccharides not produced in the body enters, they are recognized as foreign and attacked by antibodies -> blood clots.

However, glycoprotein o is not rejected as the structure of its oligosaccharide is the same as others with one monosaccharide less