June 14, 2016

What is heteropolysaccharides?

Heteropolysaccharides, also called heteroglycans are the polymers made from more than one kind of monosaccharides or monosaccharides derivatives. Although a few representatives contain three or more different monosaccharides, most naturally occurring heteroglycans contain only two different ones and are closely associated with lipid or protein.

Heteropolysaccharides are involved with viral and bacterial attachments to cells, the immune system, the migration of normal cells, the migration of cancerous cells, the fertilization of ova, and the changes in cells during tissue development. The most important heteropolysaccharides are as follows:
Neutral heteropolysaccharides
Neutral heteropolysaccharides contain monosaccharides and the acetylated amino-nitrogen in their molecules and are known as acetyl glucosamines. The most important acetyl glucosamine of animal cells is the chitin which is an important constituent of the cells of the crustaceans and some insects.

Acidic heteropolysaccharides
Contain different kinds of monosaccharides and sulphuric or other acids. The most important are hyluronic acid, chondroitin sulphate and heparin.
Their functions are:
*Heparin – anticoagulant
*Hyaluronic acid –water binding, lubricant, shock absorber
*Chondroitin-4-sulphate – calcium accumulation, cartilage and bone formation

 Mucoproteins and glycoproteins
When the acetyl glucosamines, monosaccharides and protein unite together they form mucoproteins and glycoproteins. These include the blood group polysaccharides which specified the blood group and gamma globulin –which function as antibody
What is heteropolysaccharides?

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