Porphyrins
Porphyrins
Porphyrins (/ˈpɔːrfɪrɪn/; from the Greek word πορφύρα, meaning "purple") are a group of heterocyclic macrocycle organic compounds, composed of four modified pyrrole subunits interconnected at their α carbon atoms via methine bridges (=CH−).
Etymology
The term "porphyrin" comes from the Greek word "porphyra", which means "purple". This is due to the characteristic purple color of many porphyrin compounds.
Structure and Biosynthesis
Porphyrins are characterized by their large, planar structures and their intense absorption of visible light. The basic structure of a porphyrin is a large ring, composed of four smaller pyrrole rings, linked together by methine bridges.
The biosynthesis of porphyrins involves a complex series of reactions, beginning with the condensation of glycine and succinyl-CoA to form aminolevulinic acid (ALA). This is followed by a series of reactions that convert ALA into porphobilinogen, and then into uroporphyrinogen III, which is the precursor to all natural porphyrins.
Functions
Porphyrins play key roles in a variety of biological systems. They are the "building blocks" of many important molecules, including hemoglobin, myoglobin, cytochromes, and chlorophyll. These molecules are involved in a variety of functions, including oxygen transport, electron transport, and photosynthesis.
Related Terms
- Heme: A complex of iron and a porphyrin, found in hemoglobin and myoglobin.
- Protoporphyrin: A type of porphyrin that is a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of heme.
- Porphyrinopathy: A group of rare, genetic disorders characterized by abnormalities in the metabolism of porphyrins.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Porphyrins
- Wikipedia's article - Porphyrins
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