Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
* Transfer: This part of the word refers to the protein's function of transferring iron from one place to another.
* Ferrin: This part refers to iron, as ferrum is the Latin word for iron.
In summary, transferrin is a protein that transfers iron in the blood.
Here are some key facts about transferrin:
* It binds to iron in the small intestine after it's absorbed from food.
* It carries iron in the blood to various tissues and organs that need it, like bone marrow for red blood cell production.
* It helps prevent iron toxicity by tightly controlling the amount of free iron in the blood.
Importance of transferrin:
Transferrin is essential for:
* Oxygen transport: Iron is a crucial component of hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells.
* Cellular function: Iron is required for many cellular processes, including DNA synthesis and energy production.
* Preventing iron overload: Transferrin prevents excess iron from accumulating in the blood, which can be harmful.
Transferrin levels can be measured in blood tests to assess iron status and diagnose conditions like iron deficiency anemia.