Question

An animal cell lacking oligosaccharides on the external surface of its plasma membrane would likely be impaired in which function ?​

Answer 1

Answer:

This question lacks options, the options are:

A) transporting ions against an electrochemical gradient

B) cell-cell recognition

C) maintaining fluidity of the phospholipid bilayer

D) attaching to the cytoskeleton

E) establishing the diffusion barrier to charged molecules

The answer is B

Explanation:

Generally, oligosaccharides are short chains of polysaccharides/carbohydrates. They make up the structure of membranes including the plasma membrane. Oligosaccharides attached to the protein content of the cell membrane to form a substance called GLYCOPROTEIN. The attached oligosaccharides functions in the ability for a cell to recognize another cell.

According to this question, if an animal whose cell is lacking oligosaccharides on the external surface of its plasma membrane, the most likely impairment would be that of CELL-CELL recognition.