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3.2b
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| External to the plasma membrane, all animal cells have a fuzzy coat called the glycocalyx (GLY-co-CAY-licks) (fig. 3.9), composed of the carbohydrate moieties of membrane glycolipids and glycoproteins. | It is chemically unique in everyone but identical twins, and acts like an identification tag that enables the body to distinguish its own healthy cells from transplanted tissues, invading organisms, and diseased cells. |
| Human blood types and transfusion compatibility are determined by ------. | glycolipids |
| Protection | Cushions the plasma membrane and protects it from physical and chemical injury |
| Immunity to infection | Enables the immune system to recognize and selectively attack foreign organisms |
| Defense against cancer | Changes in the glycocalyx of cancerous cells enable the immune system to recognize and destroy them |
| Transplant compatibility | Forms the basis for compatibility of blood transfusions, tissue grafts, and organ transplants |
| Cell adhesion | Binds cells together so tissues don’t fall apart |
| Fertilization | Enables sperm to recognize and bind to eggs |
| Embryonic development | Guides embryonic cells to their destinations in the body |