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Glycoproteins f

Glycoproteins play essential roles in cell structure, reproduction, immune response, and intercellular communication. They are integral to cell membranes, facilitating cell-cell recognition and binding, and are involved in hormone function and blood clotting. Additionally, glycoproteins contribute to the stability of tissues and protect epithelial surfaces in various organ systems.

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9 views1 page

Glycoproteins f

Glycoproteins play essential roles in cell structure, reproduction, immune response, and intercellular communication. They are integral to cell membranes, facilitating cell-cell recognition and binding, and are involved in hormone function and blood clotting. Additionally, glycoproteins contribute to the stability of tissues and protect epithelial surfaces in various organ systems.

Uploaded by

Virginia Sarda Ariza
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Glycoproteins function in the structure, reproduction, immune system, hormones, and protection of

cells and organisms

Glycoproteins are found on the surface of the lipid bilayer of cell membranes. Their hydrophilic nature
allows them to function in the aqueous environment, where they act in cell-cell recognition and binding
of other molecules. Cell surface glycoproteins are also important for cross-linking cells and proteins (e.g.,
collagen) to add strength and stability to a tissue. Glycoproteins in plant cells are what allows plants to
stand upright against the force of gravity.

Glycosylated proteins are not just critical for intercellular communication. They also help organ systems
communicate with each other. Glycoproteins are found in brain gray matter, where they work together
with axons and synaptosomes.

Hormones may be glycoproteins. Examples include human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and
erythropoietin (EPO).

Blood clotting depends on the glycoproteins prothrombin, thrombin, and fibrinogen.

Cell markers may be glycoproteins. The MN blood groups are due to two polymorphic forms of the
glycoprotein glycophorin A. The two forms differ only by two amino acid residues, yet that is enough to
cause problems for persons receiving an organ donated by someone with a different blood group. The
Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) and H antigen of the ABO blood group are distinguished by
glycosylated proteins.

Glycophorin A is also important because it's the attachment site for Plasmodium falciparum, a human
blood parasite.

Glycoproteins are important for reproduction because they allow for the binding of the sperm cell to the
surface of the egg.

Mucins are glycoproteins found in mucus. The molecules protect sensitive epithelial surfaces, including
the respiratory, urinary, digestive, and reproductive tracts.

The immune response relies on glycoproteins. The carbohydrate of antibodies (which are glycoproteins)
determines the specific antigen it can bind. B cells and T cells have surface glycoproteins which bind
antigens, as well.

https://www.thoughtco.com/glycoprotein-definition-and-function-4134331

Berg, Jeremy M., et al. Biochemistry. 5th ed., W.H. Freeman and Company, 2002, pp. 306-309.

Ivatt, Raymond J. The Biology of Glycoproteins. Plenum Press, 1984.

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