Alpha globulin
Alpha globulin
Alpha globulin (pronunciation: /ˈælfə ˈɡlɒb.jʊ.lɪn/) is a type of protein found in the blood. It is one of the two types of globulin, the other being beta globulin.
Etymology
The term "alpha globulin" is derived from the Greek words "α" (alpha), which is the first letter of the Greek alphabet, and "globulin", which comes from the Latin "globus" meaning "sphere". This is in reference to the globular shape of the protein.
Function
Alpha globulins are primarily responsible for carrying various substances through the bloodstream, including lipids, hormones, and minerals. They also play a crucial role in the body's immune response.
Types
There are two main types of alpha globulins: alpha-1 globulins and alpha-2 globulins. Alpha-1 globulins include alpha-1 antitrypsin and alpha-1 acid glycoprotein, while alpha-2 globulins include haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, and alpha-2 macroglobulin.
Related Terms
- Protein: A large molecule composed of one or more chains of amino acids in a specific order.
- Blood: The red liquid that circulates in the arteries and veins of humans and other vertebrate animals, carrying oxygen to and carbon dioxide from the tissues of the body.
- Globulin: Any of a group of simple proteins soluble in salt solutions and forming a large fraction of blood serum protein.
- Beta globulin: A type of globulin that is more mobile in alkaline or electrically charged solutions.
- Lipids: Organic compounds that are fatty acids or their derivatives and are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents.
- Hormones: Regulatory substances produced in an organism and transported in tissue fluids such as blood to stimulate specific cells or tissues into action.
- Minerals: Solid, naturally occurring inorganic substances with a definite chemical formula and general structure.
- Immune response: The reaction of the cells and fluids of the body to the presence of a substance which is not recognized as a constituent of the body itself.
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin: A protein that protects the lungs from neutrophil elastase, an enzyme that can degrade connective tissue.
- Alpha-1 acid glycoprotein: An acute phase (nonspecific) protein.
- Haptoglobin: A protein that binds free hemoglobin released from erythrocytes with high affinity and thereby inhibits its oxidative activity.
- Ceruloplasmin: A ferroxidase enzyme that in humans is encoded by the CP gene.
- Alpha-2 macroglobulin: A large plasma protein found in the blood.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Alpha globulin
- Wikipedia's article - Alpha globulin
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