Glucan vs. Glycan

Glucannoun

(carbohydrate) Any polysaccharide that is a polymer of glucose

Glucan

A glucan is a polysaccharide derived from D-glucose, linked by glycosidic bonds. Many beta-glucans are medically important.

Glycannoun

(cabrohydrate) Any polysaccharide or oligosaccharide, especially one that is part of a glycoprotein or glycolipid.

Glycan

The terms glycan and polysaccharide are defined by IUPAC as synonyms meaning . However, in practice the term glycan may also be used to refer to the carbohydrate portion of a glycoconjugate, such as a glycoprotein, glycolipid, or a proteoglycan, even if the carbohydrate is only an oligosaccharide.