Question

Most abundant protein in egg is

• A. Ovotransferrin
• B. Ovomucoid
• C. Ovalbumin
• D. Ovomucin

Hint:

Ovalbumin is the predominant protein in egg white, making up over half (54%) of its total protein content, and is widely studied for its excellent gelling, foaming, and emulsifying properties.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Avian egg white (albumen) is a rich source of proteins, containing more than 40 different proteins that serve as nutrient sources and antimicrobial barriers during embryonic development.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us review the primary proteins found in egg white and their relative abundances:
- Ovalbumin: This is a glycoprotein that constitutes approximately 54% of the total protein content of egg albumen, making it the most abundant protein in eggs by a wide margin.
It serves as a reference protein for nutritional studies due to its balanced essential amino acid profile.
- Ovotransferrin (conalbumin): This is an iron-binding glycoprotein that makes up approximately 12% of the albumen protein.
It helps transport iron and inhibits bacterial growth by chelating free iron.
- Ovomucoid: This is a trypsin inhibitor that constitutes approximately 11% of the albumen protein, known for its high resistance to heat denaturation.
- Ovomucin: This is a fibrous glycoprotein that makes up approximately 3.5% of the albumen protein, responsible for the thick, gel-like structure of egg white.
Therefore, ovalbumin is the most abundant protein in eggs.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The most abundant protein in egg is ovalbumin.