ceruloplasmin

biochemistry

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Last updated

June 24, 2026

Quick Summary

Ceruloplasmin is a blue, copper-binding protein found in blood serum. It is classified as a metalloprotein because it contains metal ions, specifically copper, as a prosthetic group.12

Key functions and characteristics of ceruloplasmin include:
* Copper Transport: It is the primary carrier of copper in the body, although some copper can also be transported by transferrin.2
* Enzymatic Activity: Due to its copper content, ceruloplasmin has catalytic activity in oxidation-reduction reactions.2
* Deficiency: A deficiency in ceruloplasmin is associated with Wilson's disease.1
* Structure: It is a globulin with a molecular weight of 151,000 and is composed of eight subunits, each containing one copper ion.2

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blood
Plasma
…unique metal-binding proteins (transferrin and ceruloplasmin, respectively). Vitamin B₁₂, an essential nutrient, is bound to a specific carrier protein. Although hemoglobin is not normally released into the plasma, a hemoglobin-binding protein (haptoglobin) is available to transport hemoglobin to the reticuloendothelial system should hemolysis (breakdown) of red cells occur. The serum…
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…unique metal-binding proteins (transferrin and ceruloplasmin, respectively). Vitamin B₁₂, an essential nutrient, is bound to a specific carrier protein. Although hemoglobin is not normally released into the plasma, a hemoglobin-binding protein (haptoglobin) is available to transport hemoglobin to the reticuloendothelial system should hemolysis (breakdown) of red cells occur. The serum…
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protein
Metalloproteins
Ceruloplasmin is a copper-containing globulin that has a molecular weight of 151,000; the molecule consists of eight subunits, each containing one copper ion. Ceruloplasmin is the principal carrier of copper in organisms, although copper can also be transported by the iron-containing globulin transferrin. Another copper-containing…
Read More
Ceruloplasmin is a copper-containing globulin that has a molecular weight of 151,000; the molecule consists of eight subunits, each containing one copper ion. Ceruloplasmin is the principal carrier of copper in organisms, although copper can also be transported by the iron-containing globulin transferrin. Another copper-containing…
Read More

Wilson disease
…copper to a protein called ceruloplasmin, which is produced in the liver. Normally, ceruloplasmin binds to copper in the liver, circulates through the blood, and delivers the copper atoms to distant cells that use the atoms for basic processes. Mutation of ATP7B also disrupts normal biliary excretion of copper. The…
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…copper to a protein called ceruloplasmin, which is produced in the liver. Normally, ceruloplasmin binds to copper in the liver, circulates through the blood, and delivers the copper atoms to distant cells that use the atoms for basic processes. Mutation of ATP7B also disrupts normal biliary excretion of copper. The…
Read More