Question

Identify glycosaminoglycans

(A). Heparin,
(B). Dermatan sulfate
(C). Chondroitin sulfate
(D). Hyaluronic acid (HA)

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (C) only.
• B. (A), (B) and (D) only.
• C. (A), (B), (C) and (D).
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only.

Hint:

All GAGs are negatively charged and sulfated, with the sole exception of Hyaluronic acid, which is non-sulfated and is not covalently bound to proteins to form proteoglycans.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), formerly known as mucopolysaccharides, are long, unbranched, highly polar heteropolysaccharides composed of repeating disaccharide units (an amino sugar and an uronic acid or galactose).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us review the listed compounds:
(A) Heparin: A highly sulfated GAG with anticoagulant properties.
(B) Dermatan sulfate: A sulfated GAG found abundantly in skin, blood vessels, and heart valves.
(C) Chondroitin sulfate: A sulfated GAG that is an essential structural component of cartilage.
(D) Hyaluronic acid (HA): A unique, non-sulfated, high-molecular-weight GAG found in connective, epithelial, and neural tissues.
All four listed compounds belong to the glycosaminoglycan family.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is 3, which corresponds to (A), (B), (C) and (D).