Avidin
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Avidin is a protein found in egg white that binds with biotin, found in egg yolk. In biochemical applications, streptavidin, which binds very tightly to Biotin, is often used in place of avidin.
Avidin is a glycoprotein that has a very strong affinity for biotin with a kD (dissociation constant) approximate to 10-15 M-1, the highest known between any ligand and a protein, and, as such, prevents biotin absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Avidin is a tetrameric protein attaching four molecules of biotin per tetramer.
Avidin's affinity for biotin is exploited in both ELISPOT and ELISA assays.
- ↑ Bayer, Ed: "The Avidin-Biotin Complex", Dept. of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel