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globulin (glob´u-lin)   any of numerous proteins that are insoluble in water or highly concentrated salt solutions but soluble in moderately concentrated salt solutions. Almost all plasma proteins are globulins; the most important exception is albumin. The plasma globulins are separated into five fractions by serum proteinelectrophoresis. In order of decreasing electrophoretic mobility, these fractions are the alpha1-, alpha2-, beta1-, and beta2-globulins, and the gamma globulins. There are various types of globulins: carrier proteins, which transport specific substances; acute phase proteins, which are involved in the inflammatory response; coagulation factors; complement components; and immunoglobulins. Examples are transferrin, a beta1-globulin that transports iron, and alpha1-antitrypsin, an acute phase protein that inhibits serum proteases. The gamma globulin fraction is almost entirely composed of immunoglobulins.




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