What is the role of glycolipids and glycoproteins in plasma membranes?

Glycolipids - are lipids attached to a carbohydrate via a covalent bond that can facilitate cellular recognition. Cellular recognition allows the cell to differentiate between other types of cells.

Glycoproteins - are proteins attached to a carbohydrate via a peptide bond. Glycoproteins have various functions such as acting as a receptor to receive chemical signals, Another function is it's role in the immune system where it acts to protect the body.

Glycolipids are basically a lipid attached to a carbohydrate (glycogen as the name refers! By a glycosidic bonds that are doing in cell membranes helping in cellular recognition. Whereas, glycoproteins are a carbohydrate attached to the polypeptide chains of any proteins usually found in cell membrane as well as in the blood which as as receptors for chemical signals to bring about a certain response.

1. They stabilise the cell surface membrane by forming hydrogen bonds
2. They allow for cell to cell recognition
3. Helps cells attach to other cells which helps them to form a large tissue