Globular protein



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Globular proteins, or spheroproteins are one of the two main colloidal solutions). This main characteristic helps distinguishing them from fibrous proteins (the other class), which are practically insoluble.

Globular structure and solubility

The term globular protein is quite old (dating probably from the 19th century) and is now somewhat archaic given the hundreds of thousands of proteins and more elegant and descriptive scattering techniques.

The spherical structure is induced by the protein's solvent, which explains the molecule's solubility.

A wide range of roles in the organism

Unlike fibrous proteins which only play a structural function, globular proteins can act as:

  • esterases fulfil this role.
  • Messengers, by transmitting messages to regulate biological processes. This function is done by insulin etc.
  • Transporters of other molecules through membranes
  • Stocks of amino acids.

Members

Among the most known globular proteins is signal transduction proteins.

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Proteins

Proteasome Membrane protein - Globular protein - Fibrous protein

 
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