1. Cellular Communication: Glycoproteins and glycolipids on the cell surface mediate cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, which are essential for tissue organization and function.
2. Structural Integrity: The extracellular matrix, composed of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans, provides structural support to tissues and influences cellular behavior.
3. Pathological Indicators: Abnormal glycosylation patterns can be indicative of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and congenital disorders. Histological detection of these patterns can aid in diagnosis and research.
