transferrin Biochem.
(trɑːnsˈfɛrɪn, træns-, -nz-)
[f. trans- + L. ferr-um iron + -in1.]
Any of several beta globulins found in blood serum which bind and transport iron; = siderophilin s.v. sidero-1 2.
| 1947 Holmberg & Laurell in Acta Chemica Scandinavica I. 950 We suggest that the new metal-combining protein (iron-binding component) in serum be called transferrin. 1962 H. Heath in A. Pirie Lens Metabolism Rel. Cataract 364 Ascorbic acid has been shown to be necessary for the transfer of plasma-bound iron, transferrin, into the liver and its incorporation into ferritin. 1971 [see siderophilin s.v. sidero- 2]. 1977 Jrnl. R. Soc. Arts CXXV. 699/1 These transferrin genes show much genetic diversity within herds. |