Heme: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฉธ
heme
[ hiหm ]
biochemistry
Heme is an iron-containing compound that forms the non-protein part of hemoglobin and some other biological molecules. It plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen in the blood of vertebrates and is essential for various enzymatic reactions. Heme can exist in several forms, including heme a, heme b, and heme c, each serving different functions in the body.
Synonyms
hemoglobin, iron porphyrin, protoheme
Examples of usage
- Heme is essential for oxygen transport.
- The enzyme cytochrome P450 contains heme.
- Iron deficiency can affect heme production.
Translations
Translations of the word "heme" in other languages:
๐ต๐น tema
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฅเฅเคฎ
๐ฉ๐ช Thema
๐ฎ๐ฉ tema
๐บ๐ฆ ัะตะผะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ temat
๐ฏ๐ต ใใผใ
๐ซ๐ท thรจme
๐ช๐ธ tema
๐น๐ท tema
๐ฐ๐ท ์ฃผ์
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ูุถูุน
๐จ๐ฟ tรฉma
๐ธ๐ฐ tรฉma
๐จ๐ณ ไธป้ข
๐ธ๐ฎ tema
๐ฎ๐ธ รพema
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะฐาัััะฟ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ mรถvzu
๐ฒ๐ฝ tema
Etymology
The word 'heme' derives from the Greek word 'haima' which means 'blood'. This term was first introduced in the scientific vocabulary in the 19th century as biochemists began to study the components of blood. Heme was identified as a crucial component of hemoglobin, the protein responsible for oxygen transport in the bloodstream. As research advanced, heme's role in other biological systems was uncovered, establishing its importance in cellular respiration and enzyme function. Over the years, the understanding of heme has expanded, revealing its involvement in various metabolic pathways and its significance in health and disease. Its study has implications not only in biology but also in medicine and pharmacology, leading to a greater appreciation of this small but vital molecule.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #19,626, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
- ...
- 19623 negotiator
- 19624 fourfold
- 19625 adage
- 19626 heme
- 19627 anonymously
- 19628 broccoli
- 19629 dell
- ...