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Carbohydrates on the outer membrane surface matter to the immune system because they:
AServe as recognition markers
BProvide most cell energy
CCarry the cell's genetic code
DPump ions across the bilayer
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. Serve as recognition markers
1. Carbohydrates are the third major component of plasma membranes.
2. They sit on the outside face, bound to proteins and lipids as glycoproteins and glycolipids.
3. Similar glycoproteins and glycolipids are found on the surfaces of viruses and may change frequently, preventing immune cells from recognizing and attacking them.
4. Their job is identification, not energy supply, information storage or pumping.
_Source: OpenStax Biology for AP(R) Courses (CC BY 4.0), Ch 5 'Structure and Function of Plasma Membranes', sections 5.1-5.4_
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