Dextrins
are short portions which include the branch points of polysaccharides. Oligosaccharides
are usually 3 to 8 glucose units long, but may be longer. Oligosaccharides
are important in attaching to lipids and proteins in the cell membrane to
form a glycocalyx. These oligosaccharides are composed of
monosaccharides other than glucose (see below) and can be quite variable in
structure. This gives them uniqueness which is part of the cells identity. |
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