FIGURE 16.3. Glycosaminoglycans consist of repeating disaccharide units composed of an N-acetylated or N-sulfated hexosamine and either a uronic acid (glucuronic acid or iduronic acid) or galactose.

FIGURE 16.3

Glycosaminoglycans consist of repeating disaccharide units composed of an N-acetylated or N-sulfated hexosamine and either a uronic acid (glucuronic acid or iduronic acid) or galactose. Hyaluronan lacks sulfate groups, but the rest of the glycosaminoglycans contain sulfates at various positions. DS is distinguished from CS by the presence of iduronic acid. Keratan sulfates lack uronic acids and instead consist of sulfated galactose and N-acetylglucosamine residues.

Symbol Key: FIGURE 16.3. Glycosaminoglycans consist of repeating disaccharide units composed of an N-acetylated or N-sulfated hexosamine and either a uronic acid (glucuronic acid or iduronic acid) or galactose.

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From: Chapter 16, Proteoglycans and Sulfated Glycosaminoglycans

Cover of Essentials of Glycobiology
Essentials of Glycobiology. 2nd edition.
Varki A, Cummings RD, Esko JD, et al., editors.
Cold Spring Harbor (NY): Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; 2009.
Copyright © 2009, The Consortium of Glycobiology Editors, La Jolla, California.

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