Sialic acids are a family of nine-carbon acidic sugars found in the outermost layer of cells and tissues, mainly in mammals. They play important roles in cellular recognition, immune response, and brain development. The word "sialic" is pronounced as /saɪˈælɪk/, with the "s" sound followed by a long "i" sound, and the stress on the first syllable. The word "acids" is pronounced as /ˈæsɪdz/, with the stress on the first syllable and the "s" sound at the end indicating a plural noun.
Sialic acids are a family of nine-carbon alpha-keto acids that play crucial roles in various biological processes. They are a type of negatively charged monosaccharide molecule that often decorates the outermost terminal end of glycoproteins and glycolipids on cells and tissues. Sialic acids are primarily found in animals, with N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) being the most common form in humans.
Sialic acids contribute to key biological functions such as cell adhesion, recognition, and signaling. They are involved in processes like immune response, regulating cell-cell communication, and facilitating the binding of pathogens to cells during infections. Additionally, they contribute to the proper functioning of the nervous system and play a role in brain development and cognition.
Due to their significance in human health and disease, sialic acids have been the subject of extensive research. Changes in sialic acid levels or alterations in their structures have been associated with various disorders, including cancers, autoimmune diseases, and viral infections. They are also important targets for therapeutic interventions and diagnostics.
In summary, sialic acids are a family of small carbohydrate molecules that carry negative charges and are involved in crucial biological processes. They play essential roles in cell adhesion, recognition, immune response, and neurological functions. Understanding the functions and structure of sialic acids is essential for advancing our knowledge of human health and developing potential treatments for related diseases.
The word "sialic acids" comes from the Greek word "sialon", meaning "saliva", which refers to the fact that these acids were first discovered and isolated from saliva. The term "acid" is added due to their chemical nature as carboxylic acids, which contain the functional group -COOH.