This lectin is a dimeric glycoprotein composed of two subunits of nearly identical size with each subunit having disulfide-linked chains and a binding site for α- or β-linked N-acetylglucosamine residues. Unlike other N-acetylglucosamine specific lectins, increasing the number of N-acetylglucosamine residues beyond two does not improve affinity. GSL II has been reported to be unique in its ability to recognize exclusively α- or β-linked N-acetylglucosamine residues on the nonreducing terminal of oligosaccharides.
Biotinylated GSL II has an appropriate number of biotins bound to provide the optimum staining characteristics for this lectin. This conjugate is supplied essentially free of unconjugated biotins and is preserved with sodium sodium azide.
This biotinylated lectin is an ideal intermediate for examining glycoconjugates using the Biotin-Avidin/Streptavidin System. First the biotinylated lectin is added, followed by the VECTASTAIN ABC Reagent, Avidin D conjugate, or streptavidin derivative.
Inhibiting/Eluting Sugar: Chitin Hydrolysate or 200 mM N-acetylglucosamine
