Carbohydrates & lipids - role of glycoproteins Flashcards
What are glycoproteins?
Structures formed by the combination of carbohydrates and polypeptides via covalent bonds
Glycoproteins are classified as proteins.
What role do glycoproteins play in cell surface membranes?
They form part of the structure of cell surface membranes along with glycolipids.
List some functions of glycoproteins in cellular processes.
- Cell recognition and identification
- Receptors for cell signalling molecules
- Endocytosis
- Cell adhesion and stabilisation
How do glycoproteins relate to the immune response?
They can act as antigens that identify cells as ‘self’ or ‘non-self’.
What determines a person’s blood type?
The glycoprotein antigens on the surface of their red blood cells.
What glycoprotein antigens are present in blood type A?
Type A glycoprotein antigens.
What glycoprotein antigens are present in blood type B?
Type B glycoprotein antigens.
What glycoprotein antigens are present in blood type AB?
Both type A and type B glycoprotein antigens.
What glycoprotein antigens are present in blood type O?
None.
What happens when blood of the wrong type enters an individual’s body?
Antibodies interact with the glycoproteins, triggering an immune response.
Fill in the blank: A person with Type A antigens will have antibodies against _______.
type B antigens.
What can occur during blood transfusions if the incorrect blood type is given?
Antibodies cause the incorrect antigens to clump together, blocking blood vessels.
What are the red blood cell surface antigens for blood type A?
Type A.
What antibodies are present in the plasma of blood type B individuals?
Anti-A.
What blood types can blood type AB individuals receive for transfusion?
A, B, AB, O.
What antibodies are present in the plasma of blood type O individuals?
Anti-B & anti-A.
