Editing Glycocalyx (section)

==Other generalized functions==
*Protection: Cushions the [[plasma membrane]] and protects it from chemical injury
*Immunity to infection: Enables the immune system to recognize and selectively attack foreign organisms
*Defense against cancer: Changes in the glycocalyx of [[cancer]]ous cells enable the immune system to recognize and destroy them.
*Transplant compatibility: Forms the basis for compatibility of [[blood transfusions]], [[allograft|tissue grafts]], and [[organ transplant]]s
*Cell adhesion: Binds cells together so that tissues do not fall apart
*Inflammation regulation: Glycocalyx coating on endothelial walls in blood vessels prevents [[leukocytes]] from rolling/binding in healthy states.<ref>[http://www.biophysj.org/cgi/reprint/85/1/637 Near-Wall {micro}-PIV Reveals a Hydrodynamically Relevant Endothelial Surface Layer in Venules In Vivo - Smith et al. 85 (1): 637 - Biophysical Journal<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203204157/http://www.biophysj.org/cgi/reprint/85/1/637 |date=2008-12-03 }}</ref>
*Fertilization: Enables [[sperm]] to recognize and bind to eggs<ref>{{cite journal | last1 = Schroter | first1 = Sabine | last2 = Osterhoff | first2 = Caroline | last3 = McArdle | first3 = Wendy | last4 = Ivell | first4 = Richard | year = 1999 | title = The glycocalyx of the sperm surface | journal = Human Reproduction Update | volume = 5 | issue = 4| pages = 302–313 | doi=10.1093/humupd/5.4.302| pmid = 10465522 | doi-access = free }}</ref>
*Embryonic development: Guides [[embryonic cell]]s to their destinations in the body