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What distinguishes glycoproteins from other proteins?

  1. They contain collagen

  2. They have covalently attached carbohydrates

  3. They function solely in structural support

  4. They lack amino acids

The correct answer is: They have covalently attached carbohydrates

Glycoproteins are distinguished by the presence of covalently attached carbohydrates. This unique characteristic involves carbohydrate moieties that are linked to the protein component, which significantly influences the protein's structure, stability, and function. The carbohydrate chains can play a crucial role in cellular recognition, signaling, and adhesion processes, making glycoproteins essential in various biological functions. The other options don’t accurately capture what makes glycoproteins unique. For instance, while some proteins may contain collagen, it is a specific type of structural protein and not a defining feature of glycoproteins. Glycoproteins do not function solely in structural support; they have a wide range of roles including enzymatic activities and immune responses. Additionally, all proteins, including glycoproteins, are composed of amino acids; therefore, stating they lack amino acids is inaccurate.