noun
- complex carbohydrates composed of sugar molecules linked together, found in living organisms
Usage: biochemistry; plural form
Examples
- Glycans play important roles in cell recognition and communication.
- The researcher studied how glycans attach to proteins in the cell membrane.
- Different types of glycans are found on the surface of various cells.
- Glycans help the immune system distinguish between self and foreign substances.
- The structure of glycans can vary significantly between species.
- Scientists are investigating how glycans contribute to disease processes.