Nomenclature
The huge structural diversity of glycans mainly derives from the multiple linkages and branching points between monosaccharide units. Unlike linear polymers such as nucleic acids and proteins, variably-linked and branched glycan sequences cannot be represented by lines of texts. A standard nomenclature systems based on graphical symbols has been devised by the Consortium for Functional Glycomics. A document describing this nomenclature is available here. To simplify the presentation and discussion of glycan structures, I will usually omit the specification of anomerism and exact linkage points.
Figure 12. Symbol nomenclature of monosaccharides commonly found in animals, as defined by the Consortium For Functional Glycomics.
