Human Biochemistry, Volume 2 - Murray R. 1993

Special Topics
Glycoproteins and Proteoglycans
Glycoproteins — Definition, Purification, and Structural Analysis of Glycoproteins

Definition

Glycoproteins can be isolated from complex mixtures (e.g., Cell membranes) using SDS-PAGE (see Chapter 2) and detected by periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, which identifies the sugar aldehyde groups generated by periodic acid oxidation. They can also be visualized by autoradiography in SDS-PAGE through label incorporation following the incubation of Cells or Tissues with appropriate radioactive sugars.

Purification and Structural Analysis

Determining The Structure of glycoproteins requires (as is the case for other molecules) their preliminary purification, which can be achieved using standard Protein Purification Methods. Furthermore, The Use of lectin affinity columns (see below) has proven highly effective for purifying certain glycoproteins. The carbohydrate composition of glycoproteins was determined after acid Hydrolysis using Gas-Liquid Chromatography–mass spectrometry (GLC–MS). A variety of methods have been tested to investigate the detailed structure of oligosaccharide chains, with the combination of GLC–MS and high-resolution NMR spectroscopy proving to be the most effective. The specific linkages between sugars in glycoproteins (the Discussion of which is beyond The Scope of this chapter) are of fundamental importance to the Structure and function of these molecules.



Last update: 06/08/2026

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