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BIO NMDCAT Carbohydrates
nmdcat.online June 27, 2026

The molecule heparan sulfate is a glycosaminoglycan that functions as an anticoagulant by binding to and activating antithrombin III. Its anticoagulant activity is directly dependent on a specific, highly sulfated pentasaccharide sequence within the polymer. This mechanism of action is an example of

A. A structural carbohydrate acting as a rigid scaffold
B. A carbohydrate specifically acting as a regulatory or signaling molecule
✓
C. A storage carbohydrate being mobilized for energy
D. A carbohydrate functioning as a molecular chaperone

📝 Explanation

This is a classic example of a complex carbohydrate playing a specific biological regulatory role. The unique sequence in heparan sulfate binds to antithrombin III, inducing a conformational change that dramatically increases its affinity for thrombin and Factor Xa, preventing blood clotting.

📖 Additional Information

  • A structural carbohydrate acting as a rigid scaffold
  • A carbohydrate specifically acting as a regulatory or signaling molecule
  • A storage carbohydrate being mobilized for energy
  • A carbohydrate functioning as a molecular chaperone

This is a classic example of a complex carbohydrate playing a specific biological regulatory role. The unique sequence in heparan sulfate binds to antithrombin III, inducing a conformational change that dramatically increases its affinity for thrombin and Factor Xa, preventing blood clotting.

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