Myoglobin: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ช
myoglobin
[หmaษช.ษ.ษกloส.bษชn ]
Definition
protein
A protein found in muscle cells that is responsible for storing and transporting oxygen. Myoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen than hemoglobin, allowing muscle cells to extract oxygen from the bloodstream more efficiently.
Synonyms
muscle protein, oxygen carrier.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| myoglobin |
Use this word in a scientific or medical context when specifically referring to the protein found in muscle cells that binds oxygen.
|
| muscle protein |
This term is more general and can be used in broader discussions about proteins in muscles, including but not limited to myoglobin.
|
| oxygen carrier |
This term is broader and can refer to any protein that carries oxygen, not just myoglobin. It is suitable when discussing the function of these proteins rather than their specific types.
|
Examples of usage
- Myoglobin helps muscle cells access oxygen during exercise.
- The high levels of myoglobin in the muscles of deep-diving animals enable them to hold their breath for long periods of time.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term comes from 'myo', meaning muscle, and 'globin', which refers to a type of protein.
- It was first identified in the late 19th century as scientists began to understand muscle biochemistry.
Function
- Myoglobin binds oxygen in muscle cells, making it crucial for muscle endurance during physical activities.
- It releases the oxygen only when it's really needed, helping to power our muscles during exercise.
Health & Nutrition
- High levels of myoglobin can be found in dark meat, such as beef, which contributes to its rich color.
- Conditions like rhabdomyolysis can lead to an excessive release of myoglobin into the bloodstream, which can be harmful.
Comparison with Hemoglobin
- While both myoglobin and hemoglobin bind oxygen, myoglobin is better at holding onto it in muscle tissues.
- Hemoglobin carries oxygen in the blood, whereas myoglobin serves as a reserve in muscle cells.
Evolutionary Perspective
- Myoglobin is believed to have evolved to help marine mammals, like whales and dolphins, hold onto oxygen for extended periods while diving.
- Some deep-sea fish have adapted myoglobin levels to enhance their abilities to survive in low-oxygen environments.
Translations
Translations of the word "myoglobin" in other languages:
๐ต๐น mioglobina
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฎเคพเคฏเฅเคเฅเคฒเฅเคฌเคฟเคจ
๐ฉ๐ช Myoglobin
๐ฎ๐ฉ mioglobin
๐บ๐ฆ ะผัะพะณะปะพะฑัะฝ
๐ต๐ฑ mioglobina
๐ฏ๐ต ใใชใฐใญใใณ
๐ซ๐ท myoglobine
๐ช๐ธ mioglobina
๐น๐ท miyoglobin
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ฏธ์ค๊ธ๋ก๋น
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ููุบููุจูู
๐จ๐ฟ myoglobin
๐ธ๐ฐ myoglobรญn
๐จ๐ณ ่็บข่็ฝ
๐ธ๐ฎ mioglobin
๐ฎ๐ธ mรฝรณglรณbรญn
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผะธะพะณะปะพะฑะธะฝ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ mioglobin
๐ฒ๐ฝ mioglobina
Word Frequency Rank
At rank #27,687, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.
- ...
- 27684 densest
- 27685 falsifying
- 27686 gulch
- 27687 myoglobin
- 27688 aliment
- 27689 spherically
- 27690 disinfect
- ...