Egg white proteins

Comp Biochem Physiol B. 1991;100(1):1-9. doi: 10.1016/0305-0491(91)90076-p.

Abstract

1. Egg white proteins are the principal solutes present in egg white, making up approximately 10% of its weight. 2. They are globular proteins and most have acidic isoelectric points. 3. Many are glycoproteins with carbohydrate contents ranging from 2 to 58%. 4. Of the major egg white proteins, lysozyme is the only one having catalytic activity, but many have specific binding sites, e.g. for vitamins such as biotin, riboflavin and thiamin, or for metal ions such as FeIII. 5. A major group are those showing proteinase inhibitory activity, and they include ovomucoid, ovoinhibitor, cystatin and ovostatin. 6. The synthesis of egg white protein occurs in the oviduct, and is hormonally controlled either by oestrogens or progesterone. 7. Extensive studies have been carried out in the genes coding for egg white proteins.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism
  • Chick Embryo
  • Conalbumin / metabolism
  • Egg Proteins / genetics
  • Egg Proteins / metabolism*
  • Muramidase / metabolism
  • Ovalbumin / metabolism
  • Ovomucin / metabolism
  • Protease Inhibitors / metabolism
  • Vitamins / metabolism

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Egg Proteins
  • Protease Inhibitors
  • Vitamins
  • Conalbumin
  • Ovomucin
  • Ovalbumin
  • Muramidase