NACETYL NEURAMINIC ACID

N-acetyl neuraminic acid: translation

A 9-carbon sugar, structurally a condensation product of N-acetyl mannosamine and pyruvate. Also known as sialic acid, but more correctly is a member of the family of sialic acids. Found in glycolipids, especially gangliosides, and in glycoproteins, and therefore in the plasma membrane of animal cells, to the outer surface of which it contributes negative charge by virtue of its carboxylate group.