Nacetylneuramiinihappo
N-acetylneuraminic acid, also known as sialic acid, is a nine-carbon monosaccharide that plays a crucial role in various biological processes. It is a derivative of neuraminic acid, with an acetyl group attached to the amino group. Sialic acid is found in glycoproteins and glycolipids, where it serves as a terminal sugar residue. It is particularly abundant in the nervous system, hence its name.
Sialic acid is involved in a wide range of biological functions, including cell-cell recognition, cell adhesion,
In the context of infectious diseases, sialic acid is a target for certain antiviral drugs. For example,
Sialic acid is also a component of the mucin layer that lines the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.
In summary, N-acetylneuraminic acid is a vital component of glycoproteins and glycolipids, playing crucial roles in