Lectins are sugar-binding proteins (not to be confused with glycoproteins, which are proteins containing sugar chains or residues) that are highly specific for their sugar moieties.
They play a role in biological recognition phenomena involving cells and proteins. For example, some viruses use lectins to attach themselves to the cells of the host organism during infection.
Lectins may be disabled by specific mono- and oligosaccharides, which bind to them and prevent their attachment to cell membranes.
Gate2Biotech - Biotechnology Portal - All Czech Biotechnology information in one place.
ISSN 1802-2685
This website is maintained by: CREOS CZ
© 2006 - 2024 South Bohemian Agency for Support to Innovative Enterprising (JAIP)
Interesting biotechnology content:
Science Blogs - Blogs about science: Medicine, Biology, Physical science, ...
Brigady pro studenty - Brigady pro studenty
Bar-coding bacteriophages: New method could unleash powerful biotechnology applications
Fluorous lipopeptides act as highly effective antibiotics for multidrug-resistant pathogens