Table of Contents
Globulin Protein
The globulins are a class of globular proteins that are insoluble in pure water but dissolve in dilute salt solutions. The three main blood proteins are fibrinogen, albumins, and globulins. Globulins have greater molecular weights than albumins. Sometimes globulin and globular protein are used interchangeably. Albumins are globular proteins as well; but they are not globulins.
The liver creates the majority of globulins while the immune system only produces part of them. Globulins, which are present in trace levels in grains, are a crucial source of protein for seed plants. Globulins present in animal fluids are antibodies, enzymes, fibrous and contractile proteins that are normally found in blood plasma.
Globulin Protein – Classification
So far, 3 groups of globulin proteins have been identified – gamma, beta and alpha. They are classified into four types:
- Beta globulins
- Alpha 1 globulins
- Alpha 2 globulins
- Gamma globulins
Beta and alpha globulins are transport proteins that act as substrates for the synthesis of certain substances and carry out a variety of other tasks. Gamma globulins are essential for both acquired and innate immunity against infection. One group of gamma globulins is the immunoglobulins, which are also known as antibodies.
Globulins come in a variety of sizes. Serum protein electrophoresis can be used to separate globulins from one another. Alpha globulins are the lightest class of globulins, often weighing approximately 93 kDa in molecular weight, whereas gamma globulins are the heaviest, typically weighing around 1193 kDa. Gamma globulins, which are the heaviest and thus segregate in gel electrophoresis very slowly.
Gamma globulins that are immunologically active are also known as antibodies or immunoglobulins.
Explore: Difference between Globin and Globulin
Other Globulins
One of the main categories of proteins called globulin can be further broken down into euglobulins and pseudoglobulins. The euglobulins can precipitate in water that has been half-saturated with salt like ammonium sulphate and is insoluble in water but soluble in saline solutions. In comparison to euglobulins, pseudoglobulins are a family of globulins that are more soluble in ammonium sulphate. Euglobulins do not dissolve in pure water, although pseudoglobulins do.
Keep exploring BYJU’S Biology to learn more such exciting topics.
See more:
