Haptocorrin
Haptocorrin
Haptocorrin (pronounced hap-toh-kor-rin), also known as R-binder protein or transcobalamin I, is a glycoprotein that binds to vitamin B12 and carries it through the stomach and into the intestines.
Etymology
The term "haptocorrin" is derived from the Greek word "hapto", meaning "to bind", and "corrin", a term referring to the corrin ring, a part of the vitamin B12 molecule.
Function
Haptocorrin is produced in the salivary glands and secreted into the saliva. It has a high affinity for vitamin B12 and binds to it as soon as it enters the mouth. This binding protects the vitamin from the acidic environment of the stomach. Once in the intestines, haptocorrin is degraded by pancreatic enzymes, releasing vitamin B12 to be absorbed by the body.
Related Terms
- Vitamin B12: A water-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, and the formation of red blood cells.
- Glycoprotein: A type of protein that has sugar chains attached, which can play various roles in the body, including as part of the immune system or as part of the structural framework of cells.
- Salivary glands: Exocrine glands that produce saliva to begin the process of digestion.
See Also
- Intrinsic factor: A glycoprotein produced by the parietal cells of the stomach. It is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 later on in the ileum of the small intestine.
- Transcobalamin: A glycoprotein that transports vitamin B12 from the stomach to the rest of the body.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Haptocorrin
- Wikipedia's article - Haptocorrin
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