A polypeptide chain (protein) not yet complexed with the prosthetic group that is necessary to form the active holoprotein.
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apo·pro·tein .ap-ə-'prō-.tēn, -'prōt-ē-ən n a protein that combines with a prosthetic group to form a conjugated protein
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n.
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apo·pro·tein (ap″o-proґtēn) the protein moiety of a conjugated protein or protein complex. See also apolipoprotein.Medical dictionary. 2011.