A characteristic property of most, or perhaps all, proteins is their ability to combine specifically and reversibly with various substances. Well known examples are enzymes that bind substrates and inhibitors, and antibodies that bind antigens. This book deals with lectins, a class of proteins that bind carbohydrates. Another characteristic property of lectins is that they agglutinate cells or precipitate polysaccharides and glycoproteins. This is because lectins are polyvalent, i.e. each lectin molecule has at least two ...
Read More
A characteristic property of most, or perhaps all, proteins is their ability to combine specifically and reversibly with various substances. Well known examples are enzymes that bind substrates and inhibitors, and antibodies that bind antigens. This book deals with lectins, a class of proteins that bind carbohydrates. Another characteristic property of lectins is that they agglutinate cells or precipitate polysaccharides and glycoproteins. This is because lectins are polyvalent, i.e. each lectin molecule has at least two carbohydrate binding sites to allow crosslinking between cells (by combining with sugars on their surfaces) or between sugar containing macromolecules. The agglutinating and precipitating activities of lectins are very similar to those of antibodies. They can likewise be specifically inhibited by low molecular weight compounds (haptens), which in the case of lectins are sugars or sugar containing compounds (Fig. 1.1). Not surprisingly, therefore, many of the methods used in lectin research are based on immunochemical techniques. Nevertheless, lectins are different from antibodies in several important aspects. Many lectins are found in plants, microorganisms and viruses, which do not synthesize immunoglobulins. In fact, they are found in almost all living organisms (Table 1.1) and are not confined to specific organs or tissues. Another marked difference between the two classes of compound is that antibodies are structurally similar, whereas lectins are structurally diverse. In general, lectins are oligomeric proteins composed of subunits, usually with one sugar binding site per subunit.
Read Less
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Fine. No dust jacket as issued. Previous owner's stamp inside both covers and on ffep; numbered sticker taped to spine; no marks or creases; pages sharp and bright. Sewn binding. Cloth over boards. 127 p. Contains: illus., index, bibliography.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside. This book has hardback covers. Clean from markings In good all round condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item, 450grams, ISBN: 9780412273803.
