The numerous protein fractions of human serum, which can be determined by immuno-electrophoretic analysis, appear one after another in the course of fetal development. By the fifth month after birth they are all present. Examining the protein fractions in monozygotic and dizygotic twins, it is possible to find the exact time of appearance of those fractions which are missing at birth, i.e. a single α2-fraction and two β2-fractions.
The appearance of these three fractions always varies from four weeks to five months after birth.
We were able to demonstrate that the synthesis of these fractions took place at the same time in monozygotic twins and at different times in dizygotic twins.
These observations confirm the hypothesis that the synthesis of proteins—either singly or in groups—may be submitted to multiple genetic influences.
Finally present concepts of the protein « serum-groups » are discussed.