what are lectins
What are lectins? Lectins are a type of protein that can bind to cell membranes. They are sugar-binding and become the âglycoâ portion of glycoconjugates on the membranes. Lectins offer a way for molecules to stick together without getting the immune system involved, which can influence cell-cell interaction.
Section 11.4Lectins Are Specific Carbohydrate-Binding Proteins. The diverse carbohydrate structures displayed on cell surfaces are well suited to serve as interaction sites between cells and their environments. Proteins termed lectins (from the Latin legere, âto selectâ) are the partners that bind specific carbohydrate structures. Lectins are ubiquitous, being found in animals, plants, and microorganisms. We have already seen that some lectins, such as calnexin, function as chaperones in protein folding (Section 11.3.6).