Final answer:
Glycoproteins help cells recognize self and play a vital role in immune system functioning, prevention of autoimmune responses, and compatibility of organ transplants.
Step-by-step explanation:
Glycoproteins are essential for cells to recognize self from non-self, which is crucial in processes such as immune response, tissue formation, and organ transplantation. These proteins have attached carbohydrate molecules that protrude into the extracellular matrix and form part of the glycocalyx, a coating around the cell that facilitates cell-to-cell recognition and interactions. The specific patterns of glycoproteins on the surface of cells allow the immune system to distinguish between body's own cells and foreign entities, thus preventing immune attacks on self while enabling the identification and potential rejection of foreign tissues in the organism.
The major human blood groups, such as A, B, AB, and O, along with the Rh factor, are determined by the presence of certain glycoprotein antigens on the red blood cell membranes. These antigens are genetically determined and give each cell an identity that signals to the immune system not to target and destroy them as they are recognized as part of the body. On the other hand, when foreign antigens, like those on viral or bacterial pathogens, are detected, the immune system responds by producing antibodies to neutralize and remove the threat.