Biologically Active Substance
heme
heme [ heem ]
Subclass of:
Metalloporphyrins
Etymology:
Greek haima = blood
This convenient nickname for the iron-containing fraction of hemoglobin was first used in 1930.
This convenient nickname for the iron-containing fraction of hemoglobin was first used in 1930.
Definitions related to heme:
-
Iron-porphyrin complex that is the color-furnishing portion of hemoglobin; found free in tissues and as the prosthetic group in many hemeproteins.CRISP ThesaurusNational Institutes of Health, 2006
-
The color-furnishing portion of hemoglobin. It is found free in tissues and as the prosthetic group in many hemeproteins.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
-
The part of certain molecules that contains iron. The heme part of hemoglobin is the substance inside red blood cells that binds to oxygen in the lungs and carries it to the tissues.NCI Dictionary of Cancer TermsU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
-
(heme group) A prosthetic group that consists of an iron atom contained in the center of a large heterocyclic organic ring called a porphyrin.CRCH Nutrition TerminologyCancer Research Center of Hawaii, University of Hawaii, 2021
Return to OpenMD Medical Dictionary
> H
This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.