Question

Explain the association of carbohydrate to the plasma membrane.

Answer 1

1. Carbohydrates form about 1-5% of the total chemical composition of the plasma membrane.
2. The main carbohydrates present in the plasma membrane are Oligosaccharides.
3. Carbohydrates are found only on the outer surface of the plasma membrane.
4. Molecules of carbohydrates are covalently linked to the polar (hydrophilic) heads of some lipid molecules (glycolipids) and most of the proteins exposed at the outer surface (glycoproteins).