B1.1.7

• Glycoproteins are composed of polypeptides with carbohydrate attached.
• Glycoproteins are a component of plasma membranes and are positioned with the attached carbohydrate facing outwards.
• Glycoproteins are distinct structures which allow them to be recognised by receptors in other cells.
• Cell-to-cell recognition helps with the organisation of tissues and can also allow foreign cells or infected body cells to be identified or destroyed. f.e. ABO antigens in red blood cells
• Red blood cells have glycoproteins in their membranes that do not have a known function, but they affect blood transfusion.