Glycosylierter

Glycosylierter refers to a molecule that has had a carbohydrate, also known as a glycan, attached to it. This process, called glycosylation, is a fundamental post-translational modification for proteins and a common modification for lipids and other organic molecules. Glycosylation can significantly alter the properties and functions of the molecule to which it is attached. For proteins, glycosylation can affect their folding, stability, solubility, and interactions with other molecules. These carbohydrate chains can act as recognition sites for other proteins or cells, play roles in cell signaling, and influence the immune response. For example, many cell surface receptors are glycosylated, allowing them to interact with specific ligands. In the case of lipids, glycosylation forms glycolipids, which are important components of cell membranes and are involved in cell recognition and adhesion. The specific type and arrangement of the attached carbohydrate molecule determine the precise function and biological role of the glycosylated substance. The study of glycosylated molecules and their associated processes is known as glycobiology.