Vitellin

Pronunciation: /VIT-el-in/

Category: Physiology

Singular: Vitellin

Plural: Vitellins

Definition

The major yolk protein in insects, responsible for providing nutrients to developing embryos.

Etymology

From Latin 'vitellus', meaning 'yolk', and the suffix '-in', used in names of proteins.

Example

Vitellin provides essential nutrients to the developing insect embryo.

Related Terms

Yolk
Oogenesis
Vitellogenin

Usage Notes

Vitellin is a complex protein composed of lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins. It is produced in the fat body and transported to the ovaries for storage in yolk spheres.