Complex carbohydrates or glycoconjugates are widely distributed in nature, mainly as glycoproteins or glycolipids. The presence of carbohydrates in proteins may affect their stability, modulate their biological activity, and control their lifespan in the body. Glycoproteins and glycolipids on cell surfaces confer specificity to the cells and play a crucial role in phenomena such as the selective binding of hormones, growth factors and toxins; the immune response; fertilization, differentiation and growth; and the social behavior of cells. The past decade has witnessed an extraordinary burst of activity in glycoconjugate research and applications as evidence by doubling of the number of publications in this field. Currently there are over 5000 publications a year on glycoproteins alone. Financial support for young scientists affords them the opportunity to attend the Xth International Symposium on Glycoconjugates and glean information on the latest advances made in these areas worldwide. This award funds partial support for postdoctoral fellows and/or junior scientists to attend a multidisciplinary conference, the Xth International Symposium on Glycoconjugates, to be held in Jerusalem, September 10-20, 1989. The purpose of this Symposium is to present and discuss the major advances in the structural and functional studies of glycoproteins and glycolipids, as well as applications of the recent findings to biology, medicine, agriculture and biotechnology.
