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Glycoproteins

Glycoproteins are giant molecules made up of a protein and a carbohydrate, typically glucose, glucosamine, galactose, galactosiamine, nannose, fucose, or sialic acid. The sugar stabilizes the protein – on a molecular level, it prevents the protein from folding. These proteins are often found outside the cell and are critical in immune cell recognition.

Examples of glycoproteins include:

· Immunoglobulins, or antibodies, which react with antigens

· Major histocompatibility complex molecules, which interact with T-cells on the surface of cells as part of the immune response

· In the egg cell, as components of the zona pellucida, which surrounds the oocyte and prepares it for penetration by the sperm

Glycoproteins that are soluble have high viscosity. Examples include egg white and blood plasma.

Web Resources On Glycoproteins

An N-linked glycoprotein
Glycoprotein Hormones

Book Resources On Glycoproteins

Glycoprotein and Proteoglycan Techniques by J. G. Beeley
Glycoprotein Hormones: Structure, Function, and Clinical Implications by David Puett (Ed) et al

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