Heme: meaning, definitions and examples

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heme

 

[ hiหm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น tema

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฅเฅ€เคฎ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Thema

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ tema

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‚ะตะผะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ temat

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ†ใƒผใƒž

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท thรจme

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ tema

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท tema

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ฃผ์ œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ูˆุถูˆุน

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tรฉma

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ tรฉma

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไธป้ข˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ tema

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รพema

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ะฐา›ั‹ั€ั‹ะฟ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ—แƒ”แƒ›แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mรถvzu

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ 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.