Advertisement
Advertisement
heme
[ heem ]
noun
, Biochemistry.
- a deep-red iron-containing blood pigment, C 34 H 32 N 4 O 4 Fe, obtained from hemoglobin.
heme
/ hēm /
- The deep red, nonprotein, iron-containing component of hemoglobin that carries oxygen. Heme is a porphyrin with an iron atom at its center. One of the free valence electrons of the iron atom of heme is bound to the hemoglobin molecule, while the other is available for binding to an oxygen atom. A hemoglobin molecule contains four hemes. Chemical formula: C 34 H 32 FeN 4 O 4 .
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Discover More
Compare Meanings
How does heme compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Discover More
Example Sentences
Heme instantly drew forth a hunting-knife, and cutting Fenwolf's bonds asunder, the latter started to his feet.
From Project Gutenberg
Advertisement
Word of the Day
[ak-suh-lot-l ]
Meaning and examplesStart each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!
By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse