WGA is a popular choice for labeling glycoproteins to visualize the plasma membrane in both live and fixed cells. For example, when conjugated with a fluorescent or chromogenic label, WGA can be used to stain yeast bud scars and the cell membrane of both gram-positive bacteria and mammalian cells or tissues. Additionally, WGA is frequently utilized to stain the glycoproteins present on the cell membrane of skeletal and cardiac muscle cells, specifically targeting the sarcolemma. This marker selectively binds to carbohydrate molecules such as N-acetylglucosamine and sialic acid found in glycoproteins.