When you combine a protein and a carbohydrate (sugar) into one molecule, you get a glycoprotein (glyco = sugar). The protein becomes part of the cell wall and the carbohydrate acts as an “exterior” antenna on the cell wall to receive and broadcast biological signals to other cells.
 
Glycoproteins:

  1. • function as hormones.
  2. • are essential to enzymes.
  3. • transport vitamins and hormones throughout the body.
  4. • are essential to the immune system.
  5. • play an essential role in human egg fertilization.
  6. • bind other cells and collagen together for strength. For example, nerve cells recognize and connect via glycoproteins as do muscle cells.
  7. • are involved in the formation of cartilage.
  8. • are abundant in nerve tissue and gray matter.
  9. • are involved in blood clotting.
  10. • form a thick, protective gel to protect cells from chemical, physical, and bacterial attack, such as in tears, sweat, the digestive system, urinary tract and respiratory system.
  11. • determine a person’s blood type.

(Reference: St. Edwards University in Austin, TX)
Click here to learn more about glycoproteins and see a microphotograph of them in a cell wall.
These glycoproteins can be gotten from StemRenu.