Question

Explain the difference between N- and O-linked oligosaccharides.

Short answer

N-linked oligosaccharides are pentasaccharides attached to asparagine through the beta linkage to the amine nitrogen of side chain of protein.

O-linked oligosaccharides are sugar molecule attached to oxygen atom of serine or threonine residue in a protein.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction of oligosaccharides

Oligosaccharides are types of carbohydrates which contain 3 to 10 single sugar residue. Cell uses certain oligosaccharides for encoding crucial information regarding cell differentiation, cell interaction, intercellular targeting of proteins, etc.

Explanation for the difference between N- and O-linked oligosaccharides.

Pentasaccharides attached to asparagine through the beta linkage to the amine nitrogen of side chain of protein are known as N-linked oligosaccharides. Whereas O-linked oligosaccharides, sugar molecule is attached to oxygen atom of serine or threonine residue in a protein.