Oligosaccharide

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

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Oligosaccharides are a type of carbohydrate formed by the combination of three to ten simple sugars, or monosaccharides. They are commonly found in plants and milk products and play a crucial role in various biological functions.

Structure[edit | edit source]

Oligosaccharides are composed of three to ten monosaccharide residues, which are linked together by glycosidic bonds. The structure of an oligosaccharide can be linear or branched, depending on the type of glycosidic bonds present.

Types[edit | edit source]

There are several types of oligosaccharides, including:

Functions[edit | edit source]

Oligosaccharides perform several important functions in the body:

  • Cell recognition and cell signaling: Oligosaccharides attached to proteins and lipids on the cell surface play a crucial role in cell recognition and signaling processes.
  • Immune response: Oligosaccharides can modulate the immune response by interacting with specific receptors on immune cells.

See also[edit | edit source]

Oligosaccharide Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD