Question

which one is used for cell-cell recognition? glycoprotein or glycolipid and can you briefly explain the function of each

Answer 1

Both glycoproteins and glycolipids are involved in cell-cell recognition

Glycoproteins are involved in cell- cell recognition. Any polypeptides with attached glycans are glycoproteins.The protein's segment which is extended from the membrane is glycosylated. The extended glycans from the surface communicate with other glycans of glycoproteins of other cells.The unique pattern of the oligiscchrides can be read by the corresponding oligosacchrides of other cells. mostly it occurs by lock and key model.

Glyclipids are lipids attached with carbohydrates by the glycosidic bond.Glycolipids can also involved in stbilty of cell membrane and cell-cell recognition.It is important for immune system,and connecting one cell to other tissues.The carbohydrate of the glycolipid binds to the complementary carbohydrate or to a lectin (carbohydrate-binding protein), of a neighboring cell.