albumin

albumin [Lat.,=white of egg], member of a class of water-soluble, heat-coagulating proteins . Albumins are widely distributed in plant and animal tissues, e.g., ovalbumin of egg, myogen of muscle, serum albumin of blood, lactalbumin of milk, legumelin of peas, and leucosin of wheat. Separation of serum albumins from other blood proteins can be carried out by electrophoresis or by fractional precipitation with various salts. Albumins normally constitute about 55% of the plasma proteins. They adhere chemically to various substances in the blood, e.g., amino acids, and thus play a role in their transport. Albumins and other proteins of the blood aid significantly in regulating the distribution of water and maintenance of proper osmotic pressure in the body. Albumins are also used in textile printing, in the fixation of dyes, in sugar refining, and in other important processes.

albumin (albumen) Type of water-soluble protein occurring in animal tissues and fluids. Principal forms are egg albumin (egg white), milk albumin and blood albumin. In a healthy human, it constitutes about 5% of the body's total weight. It is composed of a colourless, transparent fluid called plasma in which are suspended microscopic erythrocytes (red blood cells), leucocytes (white blood cells) and platelets.