I am looking for some advice on lectin protocols.  I am currently binding a
FITC-conjugated lectin to the symbiosome membrane surrounding an
endosymbiotic algal cell that has been extracted from the anemone host
cell.  I have had good success in binding the lectins to the membrane,
but have had NO success in inhibiting the binding through the use of a
competing sugar.  According to published literature, the addition of a
competing sugar to the lectin solution prior to the addition of the
algal cells should prohibit binding to the membrane.  Well, it just isn't
happening.  I have tried varying the concentration of lectin and sugar
and this does not seem to have an effect.  The lectin that I am currently
working with is succinylated-Concanavalin A and it's competing sugar,
mannose.
 
All helpful suggestions will be appreciated.
 
tim wakefield