Transcobalamin II is a protein responsible for transporting vitamin B12 in the blood. The word is spelled with the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable "tran" is pronounced as "træn", with a short "a" sound. The second syllable "sco" is pronounced as "skoʊ", with a long "o" sound. The third syllable "bal" is pronounced as "bæl", with a short "a" sound. The fourth syllable "a" is pronounced as "ə", with a schwa sound. The final syllable "min" is pronounced as "mɪn" with a short "i" sound. The pronunciation of the word, therefore, is "tran-skoh-bal-uh-min".
Transcobalamin II is a medically significant protein that plays a crucial role in the transport of vitamin B12 within the human body. It is an intrinsic factor protein that assists in the absorption of dietary cobalamin (vitamin B12) from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream, where it can be utilized by cells for various physiological processes.
As a carrier protein, transcobalamin II ensures the safe and efficient delivery of vitamin B12 to various tissues and organs throughout the body. It binds to cobalamin molecules, protecting them from degradation and facilitating their transport across cell membranes. Once inside the cells, transcobalamin II releases vitamin B12, allowing it to participate in essential enzymatic reactions, particularly those involved in DNA synthesis, metabolism, and nerve function.
A deficiency or malfunction of transcobalamin II can lead to impaired vitamin B12 absorption and subsequent development of various health problems, including megaloblastic anemia, neurological disorders, and cognitive impairments. Disorders associated with transcobalamin II can be congenital or acquired, with the latter often occurring as a result of autoimmune conditions, malabsorption syndromes, or certain medications.
In clinical practice, the measurement of transcobalamin II levels in the bloodstream can help diagnose and monitor vitamin B12 deficiency. Moreover, transcobalamin II is also a target for therapeutic interventions through vitamin B12 supplementation or intramuscular injections, aiming to restore or prevent deficiencies in individuals who are unable to absorb or utilize cobalamin efficiently.
The term "Transcobalamin II" is a scientific name in the field of biochemistry and refers to a specific protein involved in the transport of vitamin B12 in the human body.
The word "trans" in "Transcobalamin II" comes from Latin and means "across" or "through". It is used in this context to indicate the role of the protein in transporting vitamin B12 across certain biological barriers.
"Cobalamin" is a term coined to refer to vitamin B12. It comes from the element cobalt, which is an essential component of the vitamin's molecular structure.
The term "Transcobalamin II" is used as there are several types of transcobalamins, and this particular protein is the second one to be discovered and studied. The addition of "II" is to differentiate it from Transcobalamin I, which was identified earlier.