hemocyanins
/ˌhiməˈsaɪənɪnz/
noun
- A blue, copper-containing protein in the blood of some animals (like octopuses, crabs, and snails) that carries oxygen, similar to how hemoglobin carries oxygen in humans.
- Scientists study hemocyanins to understand how different animals adapt to low-oxygen environments.
- The blue color of octopus blood comes from hemocyanins, which contain copper instead of iron.
- Horseshoe crabs use hemocyanins to transport oxygen through their bodies.