Mucus glycoproteins molecular weights

The sialic acid residues are usually in a terminal position on the carbohydrate chain, whereas the ester sulfate residues are in a more internal position both contribute to give the molecule a net negative charge. The molecular weights of mucus glycoproteins range from 0.5 to 16 X 10 Da [4]. 

The molecular weights of mucus glycoproteins range from —0.5 X 10 to... 

Water can bind to mucous glycoprotein (MGP) macromolecules and influence viscosity. Viscosity can be increased by dehydration of the mucus, as can adhesion of mucus-epithelium. In purulent sputum, the correlation between viscosity and dry weight of solids is poor and may explain why mucous glycoprotein content is a poor index of viscoelasticity in chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, and cystic fibrosis. Mucus s viscoelasticity increases with acidic pH (3), causing reduced mucociliary clearance. Its viscoelasticity is also dependent on the content of low molecular weight electrolytes. These properties reflect the polyelectrolyte nature of mucins (4-6). 

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