Q22: What is the main role of carbohydrates in cell membrane? - Cellular Basis of Animal Physiology - Veterinary Physiology- ICAR JRF/SRF 2024 | Agrigyan

• Membrane Carbohydrates and Glycocalyx:
• Carbohydrates constitute approximately $2 - 10\%$ of the plasma membrane mass, occurring exclusively on the external outer leaflet covalently linked to lipids (glycolipids) or proteins (glycoproteins).
• Together, they form the carbohydrate-rich coating termed the glycocalyx.
• Primary Physiological Role:
• Cell Recognition and Specificity: Serves as molecular fingerprint tags for self vs non-self immune recognition, tissue histocompatibility, cell-to-cell adhesion, and docking sites for hormones and pathogens.
• nalysis:
• (Recognition): Correct primary function.

Correct option: (3) Recognition