This document discusses glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which are heteropolysaccharides composed of long chains of disaccharide units. It describes 8 properties that can differ between GAGs, including chain length, amino acid and uronic acid composition, and sulfate group attachment. The document then lists 9 functions of GAGs in the extracellular matrix and tissues, such as structural support, selective permeability, and shock absorption. Finally, it classifies and describes the characteristics and functions of 6 major GAGs: chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, dermatan sulfate, heparin, heparan sulfate, and keratan sulfate.