What Is the Role of Glycoproteins in Cell Recognition?

💡 The Answer

• Glycoproteins have carbohydrate chains that protrude from the cell membrane surface.
• These oligosaccharides act as recognition markers for cell‑cell interactions.
• They enable immune cells to distinguish self from non‑self using sugar patterns.
• Blood type antigens are a classic example, differing by glycoprotein structure.