Albumin

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Albumin

Albumin (/ælˈbjuːmɪn/) is a type of protein that is water-soluble and is found in the blood plasma. It is the most abundant protein in human blood plasma; it constitutes about half of serum protein.

Etymology

The term "albumin" (Latin: albus, white) is derived from the Latin word for white, referring to the color of the substance in its pure, isolated form.

Function

Albumin functions primarily as a carrier protein for steroids, fatty acids, and thyroid hormones in the body and is also responsible for regulating the osmotic pressure of blood.

Types of Albumin

There are several types of albumin, including:

  • Serum albumin: This is the most abundant type of albumin in the human body. It is produced in the liver and is responsible for carrying various substances throughout the body.
  • Egg albumin: This type of albumin is found in egg whites. It is a major source of protein in the diet.
  • Bovine serum albumin: This is a type of albumin that is derived from cows. It is often used in laboratory experiments due to its stability and lack of effect on most biological reactions.

Related Terms

  • Globulin: This is another type of protein found in blood plasma. It is less abundant than albumin but plays a crucial role in the immune response.
  • Proteinuria: This is a condition characterized by an excess of protein in the urine, often indicating kidney damage. Albumin is the most common type of protein found in cases of proteinuria.
  • Hypoalbuminemia: This is a condition characterized by low levels of albumin in the blood, often due to malnutrition, liver disease, or kidney disease.

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