A glycoprotein is a protein that is attached to carbohydrates.
They are an important class of biomolecules found in living organisms.
The carbohydrate attachment on glycoproteins can occur through a process called glycosylation.
This process involves the addition of sugar molecules (such as glucose, mannose, or galactose) to specific amino acid residues on the protein.
Glycoproteins are involved in various biological processes, including cell signaling, immune response, and cell adhesion.
They play a crucial role in protein folding and stability.
Glycoproteins can be found on the cell surface, in the extracellular matrix, and in bodily fluids.
They are diverse in structure and function, enabling them to perform a wide range of physiological roles.
Examples of glycoproteins include antibodies, hormones, enzymes, and structural proteins.
Changes in glycosylation patterns can have profound effects on protein function and can be associated with certain diseases.