The synthesis of glycoconjugates involves several enzymatic steps. For glycoproteins and glycolipids, the process begins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where the initial glycosylation occurs. The molecules are then transported to the Golgi apparatus for further modification. Enzymes such as glycosyltransferases add specific sugar moieties to the growing carbohydrate chains. Proteoglycans, on the other hand, are synthesized by attaching GAG chains to core proteins in the Golgi apparatus.
