Labeling Techniques for the Analysis of Cell Surface Glycoproteins

Abstract

Surface membranes of animal cells display a wide variety of glycoproteins, many of which serve as enzymes, transport components or receptors for extra-cellular molecules and molecular complexes. In recent years specific label-ing techniques have been developed to detect, quantitate and study the ultra-structural organization and biochemical properties of cell surface membrane glycoproteins. Studies utilizing these techniques have contributed to our general understanding of membrane structure and have provided some insight into the role of specific membrane components in cellular communication and regulation.