Question

Prosthetic group of a glycoprotein consists of

• A. Lipids
• B. Nucleic acid
• C. Metal ions
• D. Carbohydrate

Answer 1

The correct option is D Carbohydrate

Glycoproteins belong to the category of conjugated proteins. Conjugated proteins are composed of a protein molecule joined to a non-protein group called the prosthetic group. The prosthetic group in a glycoprotein is carbohydrate. The glycoproteins occur in blood plasma, egg albumin, saliva, mucus and blood group substances.

Lipids are prosthetic groups in lipoproteins. The lipoproteins occur in membranes, milk casein, blood serum and egg yolk vitellin.

Nucleic acids are prosthetic groups in nucleoproteins. The examples of nucleoproteins are deoxyribonucleoprotein of chromosomes and ribonucleoproteins of ribosomes.

Metal ions are prosthetic groups in metalloproteins. The enzyme carbonic anhydrase is an example. It contains zinc ions besides amino acids in the molecule.

Thus, the correct answer is option D.