disaccharide binding

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Binding to a disaccharide. Disaccharides are sugars composed of two monosaccharide units. [GOC:jid]

Disaccharide binding is a molecular function that involves the specific recognition and interaction of a protein with a disaccharide molecule. Disaccharides are composed of two monosaccharide units linked together by a glycosidic bond. The binding of a disaccharide to a protein can be mediated by various mechanisms, including hydrogen bonding, van der Waals interactions, and hydrophobic interactions. The binding site on the protein is typically a pocket or groove that complements the shape and chemical properties of the disaccharide. Disaccharide binding proteins play crucial roles in various biological processes, including:

* **Carbohydrate metabolism:** Enzymes involved in the breakdown and utilization of disaccharides, such as lactase and sucrase, exhibit disaccharide binding activity. These enzymes specifically bind to disaccharides like lactose and sucrose, respectively, facilitating their hydrolysis into monosaccharides.
* **Cell signaling:** Some proteins involved in cell signaling pathways use disaccharide binding to recognize and respond to extracellular signals. For example, certain lectins, which are carbohydrate-binding proteins, can bind to specific disaccharides on cell surfaces, triggering downstream signaling cascades.
* **Immune recognition:** The immune system relies on disaccharide binding for recognizing and responding to pathogens. For example, antibodies can bind to specific disaccharide epitopes on bacterial surfaces, leading to their neutralization or opsonization.
* **Adhesion and recognition:** Disaccharide binding proteins are involved in various adhesion and recognition events, such as cell-cell interactions and the attachment of bacteria to host tissues.

The specificity of disaccharide binding is determined by the structure and chemical properties of the binding site on the protein. This specificity allows proteins to selectively interact with specific disaccharides, ensuring the proper functioning of various biological processes.'
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (9)