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The glycocalyx is a type of identifier that the body uses to distinguish between its own healthy cells and transplanted tissues, diseased cells, or invading organisms. Included in the glycocalyx are cell-adhesion molecules that enable cells to adhere to each other and guide the movement of cells during embryonic development. [3]
A glycocalyx surface coat contains digestive enzymes. Microvilli on the apical surface increase its surface area. This facilitates transport of numerous small molecules into the enterocyte from the intestinal lumen. These include broken down proteins, fats, and sugars, as well as water, electrolytes, vitamins, and bile salts.
The glycocalyx is an important feature in all cells, especially epithelia with microvilli. Recent data suggest the glycocalyx participates in cell adhesion, lymphocyte homing, [26] and many others. The penultimate sugar is galactose and the terminal sugar is sialic acid, as the sugar backbone is modified in the Golgi apparatus. Sialic acid ...
Capsule and slime layer are sometimes summarized under the term glycocalyx. A bacterial capsule has a semi-rigid border that follows the contour of the cell. The capsule excludes India Ink when dyed. A slime layer is a non-rigid matrix that is easily deformed and is not able to exclude India Ink.
The brush border on the apical surface of the epithelial cells is covered with glycocalyx, which is composed of oligosaccharides attached to membrane glycoproteins and glycolipids. [7] TEM image of a thin section cut through an epithelial cell showing the luminal surface (apical end) of the cell packed with microvilli that make up the absorbing ...
The microvilli are covered with glycocalyx, consisting of peripheral glycoproteins that can attach themselves to a plasma membrane via transmembrane proteins. This layer may be used to aid binding of substances needed for uptake, to adhere nutrients or as protection against harmful elements.
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Therefore, the slime layer is considered as a subset of glycocalyx. While slime layers and capsules are found most commonly in bacteria, these structures do exist in archaea as well, albeit rarely. [2] This information about structure and function is also transferable to these microorganisms too.