Definition

A protein found in the blood of female animals that helps form egg yolks.

Example

Vitellogenin levels can indicate exposure to certain environmental chemicals.

Conversation

Did you know that vitellogenin is a key protein for female fish?

Really? I had no idea it played such an important role.

Yeah, it’s actually used as a biomarker for environmental changes.

That’s fascinating! I should read more about it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Vitellogenin is formed from "vitello-" (from Latin "vitellus", meaning yolk) and "-genin" (from Greek "genes", meaning born of or produced by). The word refers to a protein that is produced in the liver and is a precursor to yolk in egg-laying animals.

Memory Tip

Think of 'yolk' ('vitello-') being 'produced' ('-genin') in the body, which helps you remember that vitellogenin is related to the creation of egg yolk.

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