ovomukoidissa

Ovomukoid is a glycoprotein found in egg white. It is a relatively large molecule, composed of protein and carbohydrate chains. Ovomukoid is known for its ability to inhibit the activity of certain digestive enzymes, particularly trypsin, which is involved in protein breakdown. This inhibitory property is due to specific structural features of the molecule that bind to the active site of the enzyme, preventing it from functioning.

The isolation and study of ovomukoid have contributed to our understanding of enzyme inhibition mechanisms. Its presence in egg white has been considered a protective mechanism for the developing chick embryo, preventing premature digestion of egg white proteins by endogenous enzymes. While primarily found in egg white, similar molecules with inhibitory properties against proteases have been identified in other biological sources. Research into ovomukoid and other protease inhibitors continues to explore their potential applications in various fields, including medicine and biotechnology, due to their ability to modulate enzymatic activity.