7.4 Carbohydrates as Informational Molecules

Question 1

Why are Oligosaccharides Good Informational Molecules and Why is Glycobiology So Challenging?

Answer 1

Oligosaccharides have branched structures and may have a wide variety of structures due to stereochemistry, position of glycosidic bonds, substituent groups, number and types of branches. This makes them good for containing different and specific information for interaction with different proteins or cells, but also makes their study difficult.

Question 2

What Are Lectins and What Are Their Function?

Answer 2

Lectins are proteins that bind carbohydrates. They function in cell-cell recognition, signaling, adhesion, and intracellular targeting of proteins.

Question 3

What Are Selectins and What Are Their Function(s)?

Answer 3

Selectins are a family of cell-membrane lectins. They mediate cell-cell recognition and adhesion in different processes. For example movement of immune cells through capillary wall, mediate inflammatory responsen, and mediate rejection of transplanted organs.

Question 4

What Are Selectins and What Are Their Function(s)?

Answer 4

Selectins are a family of cell-membrane lectins. They mediate cell-cell recognition and adhesion in different processes. For example movement of immune cells through capillary wall, mediate inflammatory responsen, and mediate rejection of transplanted organs.

Question 5

What Are Some Common Characteristics and/or Functions of Different Glycoconjugates?

Answer 5

Carbohydrate and protein or lipid. Many are at least partially extracellular, and have functions involved in cell recognition.