Carbohydrates
Table of Contents
Definition
- biomolecules made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.
- Examples include: Sugar, starches, fiber
- always found on the exterior of the cell membrane.
Functions
- forms distinctive cellular markers & Cell-to-cell recognition.
- Important in organ & tissue development
- Cell-pathogen interaction
- It is the basis for rejection of foreign cells by immune system
Types
Glycoproteins
- attached to proteins
Glycolipids
- attached to lipids
Glycocalyx
- highly hydrophilic
- mixture of glycoprotein and glycolipid
- to prevent the entry of pathogens into the cell.