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This lectin is a 66,000 to 70,000 molecular weight dimer composed of two subunits of about 35,000 daltons. No metal ions seem to be required for binding. Four bands are resolved by isoelectric focusing with isoelectric points between pH 6.7 and pH 7.7. Unlike most lectins, it binds best in mildly acidic conditions. Although this lectin preferentially binds to oligosaccharides containing the galactosyl (b-1,3) N-acetylgalactosamine structure (“T-antigen”), tissue staining patterns are markedly different than those obtained with either peanut agglutinin or Jacalin. Amaranthus caudatus lectin also appears to tolerate sialic acid substitution at the 3 position of galactose in the “T” antigen. |