Cell Surface Markers
Definition
Cell surface markers are proteins or glycoproteins found on the surface of cells that often serve as markers to identify specific types of cells.
Analogy
Imagine going to a big conference where everyone is wearing name tags. The name tags help you identify who is who. Similarly, cell surface markers help our body recognize each cell's identity.
Related terms
Antigens: Substances that can induce an immune response and subsequently react with produced antibodies or T cells.
Glycoproteins: Molecules that consist of a carbohydrate plus a protein; they play essential roles in the body's immune system and its ability to fight off disease.
Receptors: Protein molecules inside or on the surface of cells which receive chemical signals from outside the cell.
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