Genetics question please

What is a heterologous protein in terms of its genetics?
Please state the source (except wikipedia...because I already tried that!) ...thank you help much apprecicated. I cant find a decent definition or logical explanation..

Thanks

First of all, if we break it down, by definition, something that is "heterologous" would be a type of organic compound not normally associated in the body of an organism (I use "body", however you could insert any type of architecture that protects something). Thus a "heterologous protein" would be a protein that is not normally found in the body of an organism.

Myself, I have never heard of this term, however, after doing a bit of research and looking at the article in the sources box, I've come to the conclusion that this is the work of bioengineering. Essentially, it appears that scientists use organisms, like E. coli, to express some kind of protein not normally expressed by the organism. Indeed, this type of practice is used to create insulin, hormones, and other kinds of proteins. I'm sure there is someone out there that could give a more detailed answer if you wish, but I think that is the gist of it. If you would like to know how it is done, I'd suggest looking at the "Process" portion of the "Genetic Engineering" on the wikipedia link I provided.

hope this helps :)