Glycosaminoglycan

From DictionGloss

A large molecule found on the surface of membrane-encased cells that consists of a network of long, branched chains of sugars and smaller, nitrogen-containing molecules.

Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) is the polysaccharide unit that makes up proteoglycans, a molecule made of saccharides and proteins. GAGs are extracellular matrix molecules that help give tissues like cartilage their rigid structure.