MeSH definition : Proteins that share the common characteristic of binding to carbohydrates. Some ANTIBODIES
and carbohydrate-metabolizing proteins (ENZYMES) also bind to carbohydrates, however
they are not considered lectins. PLANT LECTINS are carbohydrate-binding proteins that
have been primarily identified by their hemagglutinating activity (HEMAGGLUTININS).
However, a variety of lectins occur in animal species where they serve diverse array
of functions through specific carbohydrate recognition.;
Proteins that share the common characteristic of binding to carbohydrates. Some ANTIBODIES
and carbohydrate-metabolizing proteins (ENZYMES) also bind to carbohydrates, however
they are not considered lectins. PLANT LECTINS are carbohydrate-binding proteins that
have been primarily identified by their hemagglutinating activity (HEMAGGLUTININS).
However, a variety of lectins occur in animal species where they serve diverse array
of functions through specific carbohydrate recognition.