Describe the functions of glycoproteins in the cell surface

Glycoproteins can be antigens, enabling cell recognition of self and non-self cells. They also act as receptors for molecules such as hormones and drugs and pass on signals to intracellular components. Hydrogen bonds can form between water molecules and glycoproteins, thus maintaining cell membrane stability. Cell adhesion may occur in tissues when glycoproteins from neighbouring cells bind.

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