Glycoproteins

Definition

Glycoproteins are molecules that consist of one or more short carbohydrate chains covalently bonded to a protein. They play key roles in cell-cell interactions and maintaining stability of cell membranes among other functions.

Related terms

Cell Adhesion: This is a process facilitated by glycoproteins where cells bind together.

Membrane Proteins:

These are proteins that interact with or are part of biological membranes. They include integral proteins that penetrate into the membrane's core and peripheral proteins that are attached to its inner or outer surface.

Carbohydrates:

These are organic compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. In glycoproteins, short chains of carbohydrates attach to protein molecules.