Glycobiology is a branch of science that focuses on the structure, function, and biology of carbohydrates, which are also known as glycans. These complex molecules are ubiquitous in nature and are present in every living organism. The field of glycobiology has grown significantly in recent years due to its relevance to biomedicine, biotechnology, and basic research. Glycans play a crucial role in various biological processes, including cell and tissue differentiation, metabolic and gene regulation, protein activity, and immune system functions. They are involved in glycoprotein and carbohydrate interactions that are central to pathogen recognition, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Glycobiology also explores the enzymatic tools and analytical techniques required to elucidate glycan structures, which can then be correlated with specific functions. The study of glycosylation, the process by which glycans attach to proteins, is a significant area within glycobiology. There are two main types of glycosylation: N-linked, where the glycan attaches to an asparagine residue, and O-linked, where it attaches to serine or threonine residues. Understanding glycosylation is vital for developing next-generation therapeutics, vaccines, and diagnostics.

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