Glycocalyx
Glycocalyx
Glycocalyx (pronounced: gly·co·ca·lyx, /ˌɡlaɪkoʊˈkeɪlɪks/) is a sugar-coated layer found on the outside of many cells, particularly in bacteria, epithelia, and endothelia. The term is derived from the Greek words "glyco" meaning sweet and "calyx" meaning husk or covering.
Structure
The Glycocalyx is composed of glycoproteins and glycolipids that are anchored to the cell membrane. It varies in thickness and composition, depending on the type of cell and its environment.
Function
The primary function of the Glycocalyx is to protect the cell from its surroundings. It also plays a crucial role in cell-to-cell recognition, adhesion, and in immune responses.
Clinical Significance
In medicine, the Glycocalyx is of particular interest because of its role in disease processes. For example, it is involved in the pathogenesis of many bacterial infections, as well as in the development of certain types of cancer.
Related Terms
- Glycoprotein: A molecule that consists of a carbohydrate plus a protein.
- Glycolipid: A molecule that consists of a carbohydrate plus a lipid.
- Cell membrane: The semipermeable membrane surrounding the cytoplasm of a cell.
- Epithelia: The thin layer of tissue that covers organs, glands, and other structures within the body.
- Endothelia: The thin layer of cells that lines the interior surface of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Glycocalyx
- Wikipedia's article - Glycocalyx
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski