The plasma membrane of a phagocyte attach to on a microorganism is called the glycoproteins. The glycoproteins’ functions are to identify, adhere to and communicate with the cell, among other functions. This only happens when these glycoproteins are already located in the cell membrane. Sugar molecules are attached to these glycoproteins which are actually proteins. Gathered into short chains which are called the oligosaccharides, these sugar molecules are all found in this area. The glycoproteins are used by the cells which are embedded in the plasma membrane to get the oligosaccharides on the outside of the cell. These glycoproteins normally are attached to the polypeptide side-chains.