Meaning of the word glycan in English

What does glycan mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

glycan

US /ˈɡlaɪkæn/
UK /ˈɡlaɪkæn/

Noun

a polysaccharide or oligosaccharide, typically found attached to proteins or lipids, playing crucial roles in cell recognition, signaling, and adhesion

Example:
The cell surface is covered with various glycans that mediate cell-cell interactions.
Research on glycans is essential for understanding many biological processes and diseases.