Carbohydrate binding proteins, also known as lectins, are proteins that specifically recognize and bind to carbohydrates. They play essential roles in various biological processes, including cell-cell recognition, immune response, and pathogen recognition. By binding to carbohydrates on the surfaces of cells, these proteins can facilitate communication and interaction between different cells. These proteins are found in many organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. Their ability to bind carbohydrates makes them important in research and biotechnology, as they can be used in applications such as diagnostic tests, drug delivery, and cell sorting. Understanding carbohydrate binding proteins can help advance knowledge in fields like immunology and glycobiology.