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 interacting with carbohydrates on cell surfaces, these proteins can influence cellular communication and signaling. These proteins are found in many organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. Plant lectins are often studied for their potential applications in medicine and biotechnology, such as targeting cancer cells or developing new drug delivery systems. Understanding carbohydrate-binding proteins can provide insights into their functions and therapeutic uses.