porphyrin

/ˈpɔːfɪɹɪn/ /ˈpɔɹfəɹɪn/

Meanings

noun

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.).

Examples :

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

Related Words

important adjective

/ɪmˈpɔːtənt/ /ɪmˈpɔɹtənt/

Having relevant and crucial value.

"It is very important to give your daughter independence in her life so she learns from experience."

chlorophyll noun

/ˈklɒɹ.ə.fɪl/ /ˈklɔɹ.ə.fɪl/

Any of a group of green pigments that are found in the chloroplasts of plants and in other photosynthetic organisms such as cyanobacteria.

"The green color of leaves comes from chlorophyll, which helps plants make their own food using sunlight. "

containing verb

/kənˈteɪnɪŋ/

To hold inside.

"The box containing my old toys was stored in the attic. "

heterocyclic noun

/ˌhɛtəroʊˈsaɪklɪk/ /ˌhɛtərəˈsaɪklɪk/

A heterocycle

"The pharmaceutical company is researching a new drug that contains a specific heterocycle known for its potential anti-inflammatory properties. "

magnesium noun

/ˌmæɡˈniːzi.əm/ /ˌmæɡˈnizi.əm/

The chemical element (symbol Mg) with an atomic number of 12. It is a light, easily flammable, silvery-white alkaline earth metal.

"The scientist used magnesium for the demonstration in the science lab. "

contains verb

/kənˈteɪnz/

To hold inside.

"The box contains my old toys. "

biochemistry noun

/ˌbaɪoʊˈkɛmɪstri/ /ˌbaɪəˈkɛmɪstri/

The chemistry of those compounds that occur in living organisms, and the processes that occur in their metabolism and catabolism

"My biology class is studying biochemistry to understand how the food I eat is broken down in my body. "

pyrrole noun

/ˈpɪɹəʊl/

Any of a class of aromatic heterocyclic compounds containing a ring of four carbon atoms and a nitrogen atom; especially the simplest one, C4H5N.

"A chemist explained that pyrrole is a key building block for many important biological molecules like heme, which is found in blood. "

arranged verb

/əˈɹeɪndʒd/

To set up; to organize; to put into an orderly sequence or arrangement.

"She arranged the books on the shelf by color. "

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. "

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."

compounds noun

/ˈkɑmpaʊndz/ /kəmˈpaʊndz/

An enclosure within which workers, prisoners, or soldiers are confined

""During the war, the refugees lived in guarded compounds for their safety." "