Background for heme
BeDict Logo

heme

/hiːm/

Meanings
noun
The component of hemoglobin (and other hemoproteins) responsible for binding oxygen. It consists of an iron ion that binds oxygen and a porphyrin ring that binds the globin molecules; one molecule binds one molecule of oxygen.

Examples :

"The red color of blood comes from the iron in the heme found within hemoglobin. "
biochemistry chemistry biology medicine physiology compound substance part anatomy organ structure

Related Words

Illustration oxygen

oxygen noun

/ˈɒksɪdʒən/

The chemical element (symbol O) with an atomic number of 8 and relative atomic mass of 15.9994. It is a colorless and odorless gas.

"We need oxygen to breathe. "

Illustration consists

consists verb

/kənˈsɪsts/

To be.

"Our lunch consists of a sandwich, an apple, and a drink. "

Illustration responsible

responsible noun

/ɹɪˈspɒnsəbl̩/ /ɹɪˈspɑnsəbl̩/

The individual who bears the responsibility for something.

"The responsible for the project is Maria. "

Illustration binding

binding verb

/ˈbaɪndɪŋ/

To tie; to confine by any ligature.

"The teacher's instructions were binding; we had to complete the assignment before Friday. "

Illustration component

component noun

/kʌmˈpoʊnənt/

A smaller, self-contained part of a larger entity. Often refers to a manufactured object that is part of a larger device.

"A CPU is a component of a computer."

Illustration other

other noun

/ˈɐðə/ /ʊðə/ /ˈʌðɚ/

An other, another (person, etc), more often rendered as another.

"My brother is a different person; he's an other, not like me at all. "

Illustration within

within adjective

/wɪˈθɪn/ /wɪðˈɪn/

In the context of which the present document or ruling is made.

"the within appeal"

Illustration molecules

molecules noun

/ˈmɑːlɪkjuːlz/ /ˈmɒlɪkjuːlz/

The smallest particle of a specific element or compound that retains the chemical properties of that element or compound; two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds.

"Hydrogen chloride is a diatomic molecule, consisting of a hydrogen atom and a chlorine atom."

Illustration binds

binds noun

/baɪndz/

That which binds or ties.

"The strong family binds kept them close despite their differing opinions. "

Illustration hemoglobin

hemoglobin noun

/ˈhiːməˌɡloʊbɪn/ /ˈhɛməˌɡloʊbɪn/

The iron-containing substance in red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body; it consists of a protein (globulin), and haem (a porphyrin ring with an atom of iron at its centre).

"My grandpa, who has low hemoglobin, needs to eat more iron-rich foods to improve his oxygen levels. "

Illustration porphyrin

porphyrin noun

/ˈpɔːfɪɹɪn/ /ˈpɔɹfəɹɪn/

Any of a class of heterocyclic compounds containing pyrrole rings arranged in a square or other similar shape; they are important in biochemistry in a form with a metal atom in the central cavity (hemoglobin with iron, chlorophyll with magnesium, etc.).

"Hemoglobin, the molecule that carries oxygen in our blood, contains a porphyrin ring with an iron atom at its center. "

Illustration molecule

molecule noun

/ˈmɒləkjuːl/ /ˈmɑləkjul/

The smallest particle of a specific element or compound that retains the chemical properties of that element or compound; two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds.

"Hydrogen chloride is a diatomic molecule, consisting of a hydrogen atom and a chlorine atom."