ABSTRACT
Glycoconjugates represent a class of molecules containing carbohydrate as an adjunct to other macromolecular material such as protein or lipid. Both proteoglycans and glycoproteins are found as cell-surface and extracellular matrix components and as such, play a central role in the cell-matrix interactions which are responsible for morphogenesis and structural integrity of the body tissues. While it is possible to debate what represents a normal structure for an odontogenic cyst wall, it is apparent that the mesoderm beneath nevoid tumors is rich in sulfated glycosaminoglycans. Proteoglycans and glycoproteins are also found as cell-surface components where they can be involved in cell-matrix interactions providing adhesion and integrity to the overall architecture of the tissue. Basement membranes of tissues are extracellular matrices separating epithelial cells from the underlying connective tissue. They function in cell support, act as semi-permeable filters and are thought to be involved in tissue morphogenesis and development.
