oligosaccharide metabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways involving oligosaccharides, molecules with between two and (about) 20 monosaccharide residues connected by glycosidic linkages. [ISBN:0198506732]

Oligosaccharide metabolic process is a complex and essential biological process involving the synthesis, modification, and degradation of oligosaccharides. These are short chains of sugar molecules, typically consisting of 2 to 10 monosaccharides, linked by glycosidic bonds. Oligosaccharides play a crucial role in various cellular functions, including cell recognition, signaling, and protein folding.

The process begins with the synthesis of oligosaccharides from monosaccharides. This involves the enzymatic addition of monosaccharide units to a growing oligosaccharide chain. The enzymes involved in this process are known as glycosyltransferases, which exhibit high specificity for both the donor sugar and the acceptor molecule.

Once synthesized, oligosaccharides can undergo various modifications, such as the addition of phosphate, sulfate, or methyl groups. These modifications can alter the properties of the oligosaccharide, influencing its function.

Degradation of oligosaccharides is carried out by a group of enzymes called glycosidases. These enzymes break the glycosidic bonds between monosaccharide units, releasing individual sugars or smaller oligosaccharides. The degradation process can be either catabolic, releasing energy, or anabolic, providing building blocks for other molecules.

The metabolic process of oligosaccharides is tightly regulated, ensuring the proper synthesis, modification, and degradation of these important molecules. Dysregulation of this process can lead to various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and genetic disorders.

Oligosaccharide metabolism is crucial for maintaining cellular function and overall organismal health. It plays a critical role in cell signaling, immune response, and development. The intricate network of enzymes involved in this process ensures the precise synthesis, modification, and degradation of oligosaccharides, contributing to the complexity and robustness of biological systems.'
"

Proteins (4)

Compounds (15)