Marine algae glycoprotein

Figure 22.11. Cellulose is a structural and rather chemically inert component of terrestrial plants. Alginic acid is synthesized by marine algae and has medicinal properties. Some polysaccharides contain nitrogen in the form of amino sugars. The primary example of this is chitin, which composes the exoskeletons of Crustacea. An amino sugar contains an amine in place of a hydroxyl group. In other polysaccharides, sugars combine with lipids and proteins. These form glycoUpids and glycoproteins, respectively.

The activities of the purple fluid of the sea hare Aplysia dactylomela, such as toxic, antimicrobial and hemagglutinating properties, have been attributed to a substance of protein nature [332], Proteoglycans and adhesive glycoproteins present in the extracellular matrix of vertebrates, have also been reported in sponges. These molecules are probably involved in the cell adhesion systems of sponges [333], Recently, novel marine proteins have been reported, such as silicatein from sponge biosilica [334], and a metallothionein protein from the marine alga Fuats vesiculosus [335], Metallothioneins have also been isolated from Arctic... 

A constit. of the polysaccharides obt. from eggs of sea urchin, frog spawn, gum tragacanth and marine algae. Also found in glycoproteins obt. from mucins, blood group substances and milk. 

C5BUO5, Mr 164.16. d-(+)-F. rhodeose, mp. 144°C, [a]p +153- +76" (HjO) occurs in various higher plants and tree woods. l-(-)-F. [mp. 145°C, [aJo -153 - -76° (H2O) J is, among others, a component of the polysaccharides from marine brown algae (especially Fucus species), it is also found in the glycoproteins of blood group substances, milk oligosaccharides, and mucopolysaccharides. 

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