The method that involves the analysis of membrane-bound carbohydrates is d) Lectin affinity chromatography, used to isolate and analyze glycoproteins by binding lectins to specific carbohydrates on cell surfaces.
The method that involves the analysis of membrane-bound carbohydrates is d) Lectin affinity chromatography. This biochemical technique is employed to isolate and analyze glycoproteins in the plasma membrane or cell wall structures, which are specifically recognized and bound by lectins. Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins that attach to unique sugar molecules found on the surface of cells, allowing for the identification of microorganisms based on the specific carbohydrate markers present.
Other methods mentioned, such as fatty acid analysis, specifically phospholipid-derived fatty acids (PLFA) analysis and fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis, are related techniques used to identify microorganisms by their unique lipid profiles, although they do not target membrane-bound carbohydrates. The ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) is a method that can detect antibodies or antigens in biological samples, often involving the use of enzyme-antibody conjugates, but it is not specifically used for the analysis of carbohydrate structures. Lastly, flow cytometry is a technique that can identify and sort cells based on their fluorescently-labeled membrane proteins, with no direct analysis of carbohydrates either.