Final answer:
The roles of carbohydrates in cellular functions include cell identification and immune system interactions, aided by the formation of the glycocalyx from glycoproteins and glycolipids.
Step-by-step explanation:
Carbohydrates are critical for cell identification and interaction. Cells that have different membrane carbohydrates perform different functions. The immune system uses these carbohydrates to recognize and confirm that your cells belong to you ("self") and are not pathogens, transplanted organs, or other foreign cells.
These carbohydrates are a complex mixture of glycoproteins and glycolipids that form the glycocalyx, which is essentially a "sugar coating" on the exterior surface of the cell. This glycocalyx aids in cell recognition and interaction with the watery environment surrounding the cell.
The unique oligosaccharides attached to cell membranes, like those that determine A, B, AB, or O blood types, are essential for the immune system to identify and respond to foreign cells, while changes in these carbohydrates are a consideration in vaccine development.