Gammaglobulin
Gammaglobulin
Gammaglobulin (/ˌɡæməˈɡlɒbjʊlɪn/) is a type of protein found in the blood, produced by plasma cells. The term is often used interchangeably with the term immunoglobulin, as the majority of gammaglobulins function as antibodies.
Etymology
The term "gammaglobulin" comes from the fact that these proteins exhibit mobility towards the gamma region when subjected to electrophoresis. The prefix "gamma-" is derived from the third letter of the Greek alphabet, and "globulin" is derived from "globus," Latin for sphere, referring to the globular shape of these proteins.
Function
Gammaglobulins play a crucial role in the immune response by recognizing and binding to specific foreign substances, known as antigens, and aiding in their destruction. They are divided into five classes, each with its unique role: IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, and IgE.
Related Terms
- Antibody: A protein produced by the body's immune system when it detects harmful substances.
- Plasma cell: A type of white blood cell that produces a specific type of antibody.
- Immunoglobulin: Another term for antibody, often used interchangeably with gammaglobulin.
- Antigen: A substance that induces an immune response in the body, especially the production of antibodies.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gammaglobulin
- Wikipedia's article - Gammaglobulin
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