Further protein modification
Why glycosylation?
Aids in proper protein folding.
Provides protection against proteases (e.g. lysosomal
membrane proteins)
Employed for signaling.
Most soluble and membrane-bound proteins made in the ER are
glycoproteins, in contrast to cytsolic proteins.
Glycoprotein synthesis is a 3-part process:
1. Assembly of the precursor oligosaccharide
2. En-bloc transfer to the protein
3. Modification of the oligosaccharide by removal of sugars