Sialics, more accurately referred to as Sialic acid, is the most common sugar found on the surface of mammalian cells. It plays a significant role in various biological processes.
Key Aspects of Sialic Acid:
- Prevalence: Sialic acid is abundantly present on the surface of mammalian cells.
- Pathogenic Infections: It is crucial for pathogenic infections.
- Influenza Viruses: Sialic acid is known to inhibit hemagglutination by influenza viruses.
Sialic acids' functions include:
- Cellular communication
- Adhesion
- Immune recognition
