glykokalyxen

The glycocalyx is a cell surface coat found on many eukaryotic cells, and also on some prokaryotes. It is composed primarily of carbohydrates, including oligosaccharides and polysaccharides, which are attached to proteins (glycoproteins) and lipids (glycolipids) on the outer surface of the plasma membrane. This fuzzy layer can vary in thickness and composition depending on the cell type and its environment.

In animal cells, the glycocalyx plays crucial roles in cell recognition and adhesion. It acts as a molecular signature, allowing cells to identify each other and form tissues. Immune cells, for example, use their glycocalyx to distinguish between self and non-self cells. The glycocalyx also helps protect the cell from mechanical and chemical damage, and can influence the cell's interaction with its surroundings, such as the extracellular matrix.

In bacteria, the glycocalyx can exist in two forms: a loosely associated slime layer or a tightly packed capsule. This bacterial glycocalyx provides protection against phagocytosis by host immune cells, dehydration, and antibiotics. It also aids in adhesion to surfaces, forming biofilms where bacteria can thrive in a protected community. The specific composition and structure of the glycocalyx are important determinants of bacterial virulence and pathogenicity.