glycoprotein

[ glahy-koh-proh-teen, -tee-in ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. any of a group of complex proteins, as mucin, containing a carbohydrate combined with a simple protein.

glycoprotein

/ ˌɡlaɪkəʊˈpɛptaɪd; ˌɡlaɪkəʊˈprəʊtiːn /

noun

1. any of a group of conjugated proteins containing small amounts of carbohydrates as prosthetic groups See also mucoprotein

glycoprotein

/ glī′kō-prō′tēn′ /

1. Any of a group of cellular macromolecules that are made up of proteins bonded to one or more carbohydrate chains.

Word History and Origins

Origin of glycoprotein¹

First recorded in 1905–10; glyco- + protein

Example Sentences

So even if one puts it into the surface glycoprotein, it won't necessarily improve how the virus enters cells.

From Salon

Oh wait — I forgot that we’ve managed to politicize even that tiny virion with glycoprotein spikes.

From Washington Post

The drug works by targeting the glycoprotein, which attaches to the cell receptor and allows for the virus to enter the cell.

From Fox News

For SARS-CoV-2, that target site is most likely on the so-called receptor-binding domain of its spike glycoprotein—a protein attached to a sugar that the virus uses to enter cells.

From Scientific American

A 3D structure of a glycoprotein spike that helps coronaviruses attach to cells.

From Nature