GLYCOPHORIN Meaning and
Definition
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Glycophorin, also known as glycophorin A, is a glycoprotein that is integral to the structure of the red blood cell membrane. It is primarily found on the outer surface of the human red blood cell membrane and constitutes a significant portion of the cell's total membrane proteins.
The protein is made up of a single polypeptide chain and is heavily glycosylated, meaning it is adorned with numerous carbohydrate chains. These carbohydrates are attached to specific amino acid residues within the protein, giving rise to its name, glycophorin ("glyco" meaning sugar). The glycosylation of glycophorin allows it to play multiple essential roles in red blood cell function.
One important function of glycophorin is its involvement in maintaining the structural integrity of the red blood cell, protecting it against mechanical stress and deformation. Additionally, glycophorin acts as a receptor for certain pathogenic organisms, such as the malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum, which causes malaria. The presence of glycophorin on the red blood cell surface enables the parasite to enter and infect the cell.
Furthermore, glycophorin is also involved in blood typing, specifically the MN blood group system. Variations in the glycophorin gene determine whether an individual has the M, N, or MN blood type. This information is crucial in blood transfusions to ensure compatibility between donor and recipient.
In summary, glycophorin is a glycoprotein that plays a pivotal role in maintaining the structural integrity of red blood cells, acts as a receptor for certain pathogens, and is involved in the determination of blood types.
Common Misspellings for GLYCOPHORIN
- flycophorin
- vlycophorin
- blycophorin
- hlycophorin
- ylycophorin
- tlycophorin
- gkycophorin
- gpycophorin
- goycophorin
- gltcophorin
- glgcophorin
- glhcophorin
- glucophorin
- gl7cophorin
- gl6cophorin
- glyxophorin
- glyvophorin
- glyfophorin
- glydophorin
- glyciphorin
Etymology of GLYCOPHORIN
The word "Glycophorin" has its roots in Greek. It is composed of two parts - "glyco" and "phorin".
1. "Glyco" comes from the Greek word "γλυκύς" (glykýs), which means "sweet" or "sugar". In scientific terminology, "glyco" is commonly used to refer to anything related to glucose or sugars in general.
2. "Phorin" is derived from the Greek word "φορός" (phorós), which means "bearer" or "carrier".
When combined, "Glycophorin" can be understood to mean a "carrier of sugars" or "protein that carries sugar".
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