Definition
noun, plural: spheroproteins
A type of protein characterized by being globular or spherical in shape, and functions as enzyme, messenger, transporter, regulator, structural protein, etc.
Supplement
Proteins are one of the most essential biomolecules. They serve as structural material, as enzymes, as transporters, as antibodies, or as gene expression regulators. They are made up of polymers comprised of amino acids. They may be classified based on its form and main functions: globular proteins (spheroproteins) like most enzymes, fibrous proteins (scleroproteins) that provide structural support; and membrane proteins that serve as receptors or channels for polar or charged molecule to pass through the cell membrane.
Spheroproteins are proteins that are globular and most of them are somewhat water-soluble, forming colloids in water. The hydrophobic amino acids are bound inwards while the hydrophilic amino acids are bound outwards. This configuration of spheroproteins allows dipole-dipole interactions with the solvent.
Spheroproteins are involved in many biological roles. They can act as enzymes, messengers, transporters, regulators, or as structural proteins.
Examples of spheroproteins are hemoglobin and immunoglobulins.
Word origin: sphero- (round) + protein
Also called:
- globular protein
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