What type of proteins are specifically known for binding sugars?

Lectins are a category of proteins that are specifically recognized for their ability to bind carbohydrates, particularly sugars. This binding occurs through a specific interaction between the lectin and the carbohydrate moieties, which can influence a variety of biological processes, such as cell recognition and signaling pathways.

In various biological systems, lectins play important roles in processes like immune responses, cell adhesion, and pathogen recognition. They can be found in a wide range of organisms, including plants and animals. The ability of lectins to bind selectively to specific sugars makes them valuable in research and medical diagnostics, such as in blood typing and therapeutic applications.

The other types of proteins listed do not have this specific function. Enzymes are primarily catalysts that increase the rate of chemical reactions but do not specialize in sugar binding. Antibodies are immune proteins that recognize and bind to antigens, which can be proteins or polysaccharides, but their primary role is not focused on the binding of sugars. Histones are proteins associated with DNA packaging in the nucleus and are involved in gene regulation, rather than binding carbohydrates.