MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDES
Mucopolysaccharides or glycosamino glycans (GAG) are heteropolysaccharides,
containing uronic acid and amino sugars.
Acetylated amino groups, sulfate and carboxyl groups are also generally
present.
They attract water molecules and so they produce viscous solutions.
Mucopolysaccharides in combination with proteins form mucoproteins.
Examples of mucopolysaccharides are…
1. Hyaluronic Acid
It is present in connective tissues, tendons, synovial fluid and vitreous
humor.
It serves as a lubricant in joint cavities.
It is composed of repeating units of N-Acetyl-glucosamine → Glucuronic
acid
2. Heparin
It is an anticoagulant widely used when taking blood in vitro for clinical
studies.
It is also used in vivo to prevent intravascular coagulation.
It activates antithrombin III, which in turn inactivates thrombin, factor X
and factor IX.
Heparin is present in liver, lungs, spleen and monocytes.
3. Chondroitin Sulphate
It is present in ground substance of connective tissues
widely distributed in cartilage, bone, tendons, cornea and skin.
4. Keratan Sulphate
It is the only GAG which does not contain any uronic acid.
The repeating units are galactose and N-acetyl glucosamine in beta linkage.
It is found in cornea and tendons.
5. Dermatan Sulphate:
It is found in skin, blood vessels and heart valves.
It is helpful in maintaining shape and structure of tissue.
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