Glycoproteins are a diverse group of proteins that have carbohydrate chains covalently attached to their polypeptide chains. These carbohydrate chains, or glycans, can vary greatly in size, complexity, and composition, leading to a wide range of glycoprotein functions and properties.
The attachment of glycans to proteins typically occurs in two main types of linkages: N-linked glycosylation, where the carbohydrate is attached to the nitrogen atom of asparagine side chains, and O-linked glycosylation, where it attaches to the oxygen atom of serine or threonine side chains. These modifications can significantly impact a glycoprotein’s structure, stability, and function.
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