Porphyrin

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Porphyrin

Porphyrin (/ˈpɔːrfɪrɪn/; from the Greek word πορφύρα, meaning "purple") is a group of organic compounds, many of which play significant roles in biochemistry.

Etymology

The name "porphyrin" comes from the Greek word "porphyra", which means "purple". This is due to the characteristic purple color of many porphyrin compounds.

Definition

Porphyrins are a group of heterocyclic macrocycle organic compounds, composed of four modified pyrrole subunits interconnected at their α carbon atoms via methine bridges (=CH−). Porphyrins are aromatic, which gives them their characteristic deep purple color.

Role in Biochemistry

Porphyrins play a crucial role in biochemistry. They are the main component of hemoglobin, the molecule that carries oxygen in the blood. They are also found in myoglobin, a protein found in muscle tissue, and in various enzymes. Porphyrins are also responsible for the color of some bird feathers and are involved in photosynthesis in plants.

Related Terms

  • Heme: A complex of iron and a porphyrin, responsible for the red color of blood.
  • Chlorophyll: A complex of magnesium and a porphyrin, responsible for the green color of plants.
  • Porphyrinopathy: A group of rare genetic disorders characterized by abnormalities in the metabolism of porphyrins.
  • Porphyrinogen: The reduced form of porphyrin, involved in the biosynthesis of heme and chlorophyll.

See Also

External links

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