Difference between revisions of "Metallothionein"
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Definition|title= metallothionein | Definition|title= metallothionein | ||
− | |definition=Protein involved in | + | |definition=Protein involved in cell detoxification mechanisms for various [[heavy metals]].<ref>Lawrence E (ed.), 2000. Henderson’s Dictionary of Biological Terms. 12th edition. Prentice Hall, Pearson Education Limited. Harlow, Great Britain.</ref> }} |
== Notes == | == Notes == | ||
Metallothioneins occur in almost all organisms. They can regulate heavy metal concentrations by binding them. | Metallothioneins occur in almost all organisms. They can regulate heavy metal concentrations by binding them. | ||
− | Organisms can produce metalollothioneins in response to the presence of heavy metals. However, when the amount of heavy metals exceeds | + | Organisms can produce metalollothioneins in response to the presence of heavy metals. However, when the amount of heavy metals exceeds what the metallothioneins can handle, the toxic effects of the contaminants will be manifested.<ref>↑ Kennish, M. J. (1996): Practical Handbook of Estuarine and Marine Pollution, CRC Press 524 pp</ref> |
==References== | ==References== | ||
<references/> | <references/> |
Latest revision as of 14:24, 28 July 2009
Definition of metallothionein:
Protein involved in cell detoxification mechanisms for various heavy metals.[1]
This is the common definition for metallothionein, other definitions can be discussed in the article
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Notes
Metallothioneins occur in almost all organisms. They can regulate heavy metal concentrations by binding them. Organisms can produce metalollothioneins in response to the presence of heavy metals. However, when the amount of heavy metals exceeds what the metallothioneins can handle, the toxic effects of the contaminants will be manifested.[2]