APOFERRITIN Meaning and
Definition
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Apoferritin is a protein complex that plays a fundamental role in iron storage within cells. It is composed of both heavy and light subunits, with the heavy subunits being responsible for iron-binding. The prefix "apo-" in its name denotes the absence of iron, indicating that apoferritin is the protein complex without iron bound to it.
Apoferritin is typically found in the cytoplasm of cells, where it acts as a buffer for excess free iron, which can be toxic and cause cellular damage. Its main function is to sequester and store iron in a soluble, non-reactive form until it is needed. When iron levels in the cell are high, iron ions bind to the heavy subunits of apoferritin, forming a complex called ferritin. In this ferritin form, iron is safely stored as a mineralized core within the protein shell formed by the light subunits.
The release and uptake of iron from ferritin is tightly regulated by various factors, including signaling molecules and iron status. When the demand for iron increases, ferritin can be degraded, releasing iron for utilization within the cell or for transportation to other parts of the body.
Overall, apoferritin is a crucial player in iron homeostasis, ensuring that cells maintain an appropriate balance of iron, preventing oxidative stress, and facilitating iron utilization when needed.
Common Misspellings for APOFERRITIN
- zpoferritin
- spoferritin
- wpoferritin
- qpoferritin
- aooferritin
- aloferritin
- a0oferritin
- apiferritin
- apkferritin
- aplferritin
- appferritin
- ap0ferritin
- ap9ferritin
- apoderritin
- apocerritin
- apoverritin
- apogerritin
- apoterritin
- aporerritin
- apofwrritin
Etymology of APOFERRITIN
The word "apoferritin" is derived from two components: "apo-" and "ferritin".
The prefix "apo-" comes from the Greek word "apo", meaning "away from" or "separate". It is commonly used in scientific terminology to denote something that is separated from or lacking a particular component.
"Ferritin" is a protein found in cells that is responsible for storing and releasing iron. It comes from the Latin word "ferrum", meaning "iron".
Therefore, "apoferritin" refers to a form or variant of ferritin protein that is devoid of iron. It is used to describe an iron-free or demetalated form of ferritin.
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