A3: General overview of the structure of synthesis and degradation of glycosaminoglycans and glycolipids

This introductory chapter will summarise the most striking properties of glycosaminoglycans, and additional information can be obtained from exhaustive reviews (Silbert et al, 1997; McKusik, 1988; Neufeld, 1991; von Figura and Klein, 1981; Fluharty, 1981). The biological function of these compounds largely depends on the nature of the polypeptide bearing the GAGs (cell adhesion) or of the GAG chain itself (binding/trapping of growth factors).