Glycocalix is the envelope of the surface of an animal cell membrane. The glycocalix consists of oligosaccharides (glycoproteins and glycolipids), covalently bonded with the cell membrane's proteins and lipids.

The glycocalix is always located on the outer side of the lipid bilayer. The elements of the glycocalix (oligosaccharides) are essential in the process of cell identification and integration, which means they are important components of the receptors. For example, the cell identification during the embryogenesis and the cell growth control depends on the glycocalix.

Cell biology | Oligosaccharides

Glykokalix | Glycocalix