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BIO NMDCAT Conjugated molecules
nmdcat.online July 3, 2026

95. A sample of isolated cellular membranes is treated with an enzyme that selectively cleaves sialic acid (neuraminic acid) residues from the terminals of all surface glycoproteins. The physical consequence of this treatment on the cells will be a significant

A. Increase in the overall positive charge of the cell coat
B. Decrease in the net negative surface charge, causing reduced electrostatic repulsion between cells
✓
C. Sudden breakdown of the internal nuclear envelope
D. Spontaneous alignment of membrane proteins into a double-helix

📝 Explanation

Sialic acid residues carry a negative charge at physiological pH; removing them lowers the cell's negative charge, altering cell-to-cell spacing and interactions.

📖 Additional Information

  • Increase in the overall positive charge of the cell coat
  • Decrease in the net negative surface charge, causing reduced electrostatic repulsion between cells
  • Sudden breakdown of the internal nuclear envelope
  • Spontaneous alignment of membrane proteins into a double-helix

Sialic acid residues carry a negative charge at physiological pH; removing them lowers the cell's negative charge, altering cell-to-cell spacing and interactions.

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