TRANSFERRIN Meaning and
Definition
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Transferrin is a glycoprotein found in the blood plasma that plays a vital role in transporting iron throughout the body. It is a crucial component of the iron metabolism system and is responsible for binding and carrying iron ions from the intestines or storage sites to cells that require it for various metabolic functions.
The structure of transferrin consists of two symmetrical lobes, each capable of binding one iron molecule. It has a high affinity for iron, providing a strong bond to prevent the iron ions from becoming toxic within the bloodstream. Transferrin receptors on the surface of cells take up the transferrin-iron complex, ensuring that it reaches the specific cells that need iron for their physiological processes.
The concentration of transferrin in the blood is tightly regulated, as any disruptions can lead to iron deficiency or overload, which can have detrimental effects on the body. Transferrin saturation levels are commonly used as a clinical marker to evaluate iron status in patients.
Deficiencies in transferrin production or certain mutations in the transferrin gene can result in conditions such as transferrin-related iron overload or hypotransferrinemia. Conversely, transferrin can also be implicated in diseases like hemochromatosis, where excessive iron accumulation occurs due to enhanced iron-binding capacity.
In summary, transferrin acts as a carrier protein for iron, ensuring its safe transport to various tissues and organs. Its crucial role in iron homeostasis makes transferrin a significant component of the body's overall functioning.
Common Misspellings for TRANSFERRIN
- rransferrin
- fransferrin
- gransferrin
- yransferrin
- 6ransferrin
- 5ransferrin
- teansferrin
- tdansferrin
- tfansferrin
- ttansferrin
- t5ansferrin
- t4ansferrin
- trznsferrin
- trsnsferrin
- trwnsferrin
- trqnsferrin
- trabsferrin
- tramsferrin
- trajsferrin
Etymology of TRANSFERRIN
The word "transferrin" is derived from the combination of two elements: "trans-" and "ferrin".
The prefix "trans-" comes from the Latin word "trans", meaning "across" or "beyond". In this context, it suggests movement from one place to another.
The term "ferrin" is derived from "ferrum", the Latin word for "iron". "Ferrin" is used to describe a protein that binds and transports iron within the body.
Therefore, "transferrin" refers to a protein that transports iron across or beyond different parts of the body.
Similar spelling words for TRANSFERRIN
- transcriptase,
- Transposable,
- transferable,
- transdermic,
- transposon,
- transferee,
- transitoriness,
- transit line,
- transmute,
- transferrable,
- transaminate,
- transpose,
- transalpine,
- transcribed,
- transferrer,
- transform,
- transfer agent,
- transduce,
- transpiring,
- transformed,
- transferor,
- transpire,
- transport,
- transducer,
- transfigure,
- transfix,
- transude,
- transmogrify,
- transferer,
- transcribe,
- translate,
- transparence,
- transliterate,
- transfuse,
- transfer,
- transmitter,
- transfusion,
- transponder,
- transferral,
- transparency,
- transitorily,
- Transfer Rna,
- transfer tax,
- transgressor,
- transcription,
- transparent,
- transposed,
- transvestite,
- trencher,
- transfer paper,
- transparently,
- transference,
- transfixed,
- transoceanic,
- transcriber,
- transuranic,
- transformer,
- transferase,
- transporter,
- transmitting,
- transaminase,
- transcript,
- transfer DNA,
- trencherman.
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