Final answer:
The outer coat of a eukaryotic cell, composed of oligosaccharides linked to intrinsic plasma membrane proteins and lipids, as well as secreted proteins reabsorbed onto the cell surface, is known as the glycocalyx. This layer plays a crucial role in cell-to-cell recognition and immune system identification.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for the outer coating of a eukaryotic cell, which includes oligosaccharides linked to intrinsic plasma membrane glycoproteins and glycolipids, as well as proteins that have been secreted and reabsorbed onto the cell surface, is glycocalyx. This coating is highly hydrophilic, attracting large amounts of water to the cell surface which facilitates interaction with the watery environment.
The glycocalyx is intricate, involved in cell-to-cell recognition, and is integral in allowing the immune system to distinguish between 'self' and 'non-self' entities. Glycoproteins and glycolipids that form the glycocalyx vary significantly between species, and their unique compositions help in the identification and function of cells.