Intercellular communication is important in all life forms, especially in multicellular ones (like humans). Cell signaling plays an important role from fertilization to development, and on through puberty and adulthood.

Of the more than 200 saccharides found in nature, scientific research indicates there are eight essential monosaccharides (glucose, galactose, mannose, xylose, fucose, n-acetyl glucosamine, n-acetyl galactosamine, n-acetyl neuraminic acid) commonly found on cellular membranes and that are required for proper cellular function.