Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which type of carbohydrates serve as chemical markers on cell membranes?
A
Glycoproteins
B
Glycolipids
C
Polysaccharides
D
Monosaccharides
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of carbohydrates in cell membranes: Carbohydrates attached to lipids or proteins on the cell membrane surface serve as recognition sites for cell-cell interactions.
Identify the types of molecules that carbohydrates can attach to: Carbohydrates can be covalently bonded to lipids, forming glycolipids, or to proteins, forming glycoproteins.
Recognize the function of glycolipids: Glycolipids are carbohydrates attached to lipids and are important for cell recognition and communication, acting as chemical markers on cell membranes.
Differentiate between glycolipids and glycoproteins: While both serve as markers, glycolipids specifically refer to carbohydrates attached to lipids, whereas glycoproteins refer to carbohydrates attached to proteins.
Conclude that glycolipids are the type of carbohydrates that serve as chemical markers on cell membranes, as they are directly involved in cell recognition processes.