Glycoproteins are membrane carbohydrates covalently bonded to which molecule?

Study for the Galen Anatomy and Physiology (AandP) 1 Theory Exam 2. Gain confidence with flashcards, pinpoint areas needing focus, and strengthen understanding through detailed explanations. Excel in your exam with comprehensive preparation!

Multiple Choice

Glycoproteins are membrane carbohydrates covalently bonded to which molecule?

Explanation:
Glycoproteins are proteins with carbohydrate groups covalently attached. This means the sugar chains are linked to amino acid residues on the protein backbone (commonly N-linked to asparagine or O-linked to serine/threonine), producing a protein that carries extracellular carbohydrate branches. If the carbohydrate were bound to a lipid, you’d have a glycolipid, not a glycoprotein. Nucleic acids aren’t the typical covalent partner in this context, and while carbohydrates can attach to other carbohydrates in other molecules, the defining feature of a glycoprotein is its covalent bond to a protein.

Glycoproteins are proteins with carbohydrate groups covalently attached. This means the sugar chains are linked to amino acid residues on the protein backbone (commonly N-linked to asparagine or O-linked to serine/threonine), producing a protein that carries extracellular carbohydrate branches. If the carbohydrate were bound to a lipid, you’d have a glycolipid, not a glycoprotein. Nucleic acids aren’t the typical covalent partner in this context, and while carbohydrates can attach to other carbohydrates in other molecules, the defining feature of a glycoprotein is its covalent bond to a protein.

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