Mucopolysaccharide
Mucopolysaccharide
Mucopolysaccharides (pronounced: myoo-koh-pol-ee-SAK-uh-rides) are long chains of sugar molecules that are found throughout the body, often in mucus and in the fluid around the joints. They are a type of polysaccharide and are also referred to as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs).
Etymology
The term "mucopolysaccharide" is derived from the words "muco" meaning mucus, "poly" meaning many, and "saccharide" meaning sugar. Thus, it refers to the many sugar molecules that make up these complex carbohydrates.
Related Terms
- Polysaccharide: A carbohydrate (e.g., starch, cellulose, or glycogen) whose molecules consist of a number of sugar molecules bonded together.
- Glycosaminoglycans: Long unbranched polysaccharides consisting of a repeating disaccharide unit.
- Mucopolysaccharidosis: A group of metabolic disorders caused by the absence or malfunctioning of certain enzymes needed to break down molecules called glycosaminoglycans.
- Hyaluronic Acid: A type of mucopolysaccharide that is especially found in the skin, connective tissues, and eyes.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mucopolysaccharide
- Wikipedia's article - Mucopolysaccharide
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