Haemoglobin: meaning, definitions and examples
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haemoglobin
[ ˌheɪməˈɡloʊbɪn ]
biochemistry, medicine
Haemoglobin is a complex protein found in red blood cells that is crucial for transporting oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body. It consists of four subunits, each containing an iron atom that binds to oxygen molecules. When oxygen is bound, haemoglobin appears bright red, which is why arterial blood is red in color. Additionally, haemoglobin can also carry carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation, playing a vital role in regulating blood pH. Its dysfunction can lead to various medical conditions, including anemia and thalassemia.
Synonyms
Hb, oxygen-carrying protein.
Examples of usage
- Haemoglobin levels can be tested with a simple blood sample.
- A low haemoglobin count can indicate anemia.
- Haemoglobin is essential for efficient oxygen transport.
- The body's haemoglobin changes in response to altitude.
Translations
Translations of the word "haemoglobin" in other languages:
🇵🇹 hemoglobina
🇮🇳 हीमोग्लोबिन
🇩🇪 Hämoglobin
🇮🇩 hemoglobin
🇺🇦 гемоглобін
🇵🇱 hemoglobina
🇯🇵 ヘモグロビン
🇫🇷 hémoglobine
🇪🇸 hemoglobina
🇹🇷 hemoglobin
🇰🇷 헤모글로빈
🇸🇦 الهيموغلوبين
🇨🇿 hemoglobin
🇸🇰 hemoglobín
🇨🇳 血红蛋白
🇸🇮 hemoglobin
🇮🇸 hemóglóbín
🇰🇿 гемоглобин
🇬🇪 ჰემოგლობინი
🇦🇿 hemoglobin
🇲🇽 hemoglobina
Etymology
The term 'haemoglobin' has its roots in both Greek and Latin. The prefix 'haemo-' comes from the Greek word 'haima,' meaning 'blood,' while 'globin' is derived from the Latin word 'globus,' meaning 'sphere' or 'ball.' The binding of oxygen to iron in the heme group gives haemoglobin its unique structure. The discovery of haemoglobin dates back to the 19th century, when scientists like Friedrich Miescher and later Otto Warburg contributed to the understanding of its composition and function. Haemoglobin's pivotal role in respiration and physiology has made it a fundamental concept in biochemistry and medicine, and it continues to be a focus of research in fields such as hematology and genetics.