Yes, TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is a glycoprotein, which is a type of protein.
TSH is a complex molecule composed of:
- A protein component made up of two subunits: the alpha (α) and beta (β) subunits.
- A carbohydrate (sugar) component. The presence of this carbohydrate moiety classifies it as a glycoprotein.
Here’s a breakdown of the subunits:
- Alpha (α) subunit: This subunit is nearly identical to the alpha subunits found in other glycoprotein hormones such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
- Beta (β) subunit: This subunit is unique to TSH and confers its specific biological activity.
Therefore, because TSH contains protein subunits and is specifically classified as a glycoprotein, it is considered a protein.
