Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Glycoproteins are molecules that consist of a protein bonded to one or more carbohydrate chains. These compounds are crucial for cell-cell recognition, signaling, and immune responses within the cellular membrane.
The cell membrane is a protective barrier that surrounds a cell, controlling which substances can enter or leave the cell.
Carbohydrate Chain: A sequence of sugar molecules bonded together, often found attached to proteins and lipids in cellular membranes to form glycoproteins and glycolipids.
Cell: Cell Recognition - A process where cells identify and interact with each other using specific molecules on their surfaces, such as glycoproteins, facilitating communication and coordination among them