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Lectins definitions

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  • Lectin
    Protein that binds specific carbohydrates with high affinity and specificity, translating encoded sugar information into cellular events.
  • Carbohydrate
    Molecule used by cells to encode biological information, forming the basis of the sugar code and interacting with lectins.
  • Sugar Code
    Concept describing how cells use monosaccharides and oligosaccharides to encode diverse biological information.
  • Monosaccharide
    Basic unit of carbohydrates, acting as the 'letters' in the sugar code and forming oligosaccharides.
  • Oligosaccharide
    Short chain of monosaccharides, functioning as 'words' in the sugar code and determining glycoprotein properties.
  • Glycoprotein
    Protein linked to oligosaccharides, whose function and lifespan are influenced by the specific sugar code pattern.
  • Integrin
    Plasma membrane lectin mediating signals between a cell and the extracellular matrix, often with quaternary structure.
  • Selectin
    Plasma membrane lectin facilitating cell-to-cell recognition and adhesion, enabling communication between neighboring cells.
  • Extracellular Matrix
    Network of molecules outside cells providing structural and biochemical support, interacting with integrins.
  • Plasma Membrane
    Cellular boundary embedding lectins like integrins and selectins, crucial for signaling and adhesion.
  • Quaternary Structure
    Protein organization involving multiple subunits, as seen in some integrins embedded in the plasma membrane.
  • Cell Adhesion
    Process mediated by lectins, especially selectins, allowing cells to attach to each other or to the extracellular matrix.
  • Cell Recognition
    Biological event facilitated by lectins, enabling cells to identify and interact with specific neighboring cells.
  • Non-covalent Interaction
    Reversible binding mechanism between lectins and carbohydrates, similar to protein-ligand interactions.
  • Ligand
    Molecule, often a carbohydrate, that binds to a protein such as a lectin, forming a reversible complex.