METALLOTHIONEIN IIA Meaning and
Definition
-
Metallothionein IIA is a small, cysteine-rich protein that belongs to the metallothionein family. Metallothioneins are a group of low molecular weight proteins that are known for their high affinity towards binding various metals, particularly heavy metals such as zinc, cadmium, and copper. Metallothionein IIA is specifically involved in the cellular regulation and homeostasis of zinc.
In terms of structure, metallothionein IIA is composed of 61 amino acids, which are highly conserved among various species. It contains a large proportion of cysteine residues, resulting in its high metal binding capacity. Metallothionein IIA is primarily expressed in the liver and intestine, although its presence has been identified in other tissues as well.
Metallothionein IIA plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular zinc levels within a physiological range. It acts as an essential zinc storage protein, storing excess zinc when its concentration is high, and releasing it when zinc levels are low. Additionally, metallothionein IIA is involved in the transportation and distribution of zinc throughout the body, ensuring its availability for various cellular processes.
Furthermore, metallothionein IIA has been implicated in protecting cells from the toxic effects of heavy metals such as cadmium. Its metal-binding ability helps sequester and limit the availability of these harmful metals, reducing their detrimental impact on cellular functions.
Overall, metallothionein IIA acts as an important player in maintaining zinc homeostasis and protecting cells from heavy metal toxicity, making it a crucial protein for cellular functioning.
Common Misspellings for METALLOTHIONEIN IIA
- netallothionein iia
- ketallothionein iia
- jetallothionein iia
- mwtallothionein iia
- mstallothionein iia
- mdtallothionein iia
- mrtallothionein iia
- m4tallothionein iia
- m3tallothionein iia
- merallothionein iia
- mefallothionein iia
- megallothionein iia
- meyallothionein iia
- me6allothionein iia
- me5allothionein iia
- metzllothionein iia
- metsllothionein iia
- metwllothionein iia
- metqllothionein iia
- metaklothionein iia
Etymology of METALLOTHIONEIN IIA
The word "Metallothionein IIA" is a scientific term that is composed of several elements:
1. Metallothionein: The term "metallothionein" is derived from the combination of two words - "metal" and "thionein".
- "Metal" refers to the elemental substances that are usually solid, opaque, and have good electrical and thermal conductivity. In the context of metallothioneins, it specifically refers to the binding of metals to the protein.
- "Thionein" is derived from the word "thiol", which refers to a type of organic compound that contains a sulfhydryl (-SH) group. Since metallothioneins contain a high concentration of cysteine residues, which have sulfhydryl groups, the term "thionein" was used to describe these proteins.
