AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Carbohydrates are a part of the body’s immune response. Carbohydrates form distinctive cellular markers allowing cells to recognize one another. This is especially important for the immune system. The immune system functions by detecting foreign substances in the body.

Detailed explanation-2: -The plasma membrane carries markers that allow cells to recognize one another and can transmit signals to other cells via receptors.

Detailed explanation-3: -Recognition proteins: These proteins, called glycoproteins (glyco = sugar) have complex carbohydrates attached to them. These form the identification system that allows your body cells to recognize each other as “self” instead of “invader.”

Detailed explanation-4: -The surface carbohydrates on a cell serve as points of attachment for other cells, infectious bacteria and viruses, toxins, hormones, and many other molecules. This ability depends on the presence of these sugars, their accessibility and their mode of presentation.