A molecule found in cell membranes that combines a sugar group with a fat-like substance, helping cells recognize each other and communicate.
From 'glyco-' (sugar) + 'lipin' (from Greek 'lipos', fat). This biochemistry term emerged in the 20th century as scientists mapped cell membrane structure.
Glycolipins are your cell's name tags—they're displayed on the outside of every cell so your immune system can recognize 'self' cells versus invaders, which is literally how your body avoids attacking itself!
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