Edit page | Page history | Printable version

Definition

noun, plural: glycocalyses

(1) The outer layer usually made up of bound polysaccharides on the cell surface and superficial layer of unbound proteoglycans and glycoproteins

(2) Sugar coat surrounding the cell wall of bacterium, as bacterial capsule or slime layer in various bacterial cells

Supplement

The various functions of glycocalyx of a cell includes the following:

• cell recognition
• cell adhesion
• protection
• permeability barrier

Word origin: Greek glykýs (sweet) + Greek kalux (shell)

See also:

• slime layer (microbiology)
• capsule (microbiology)