porphyrin
/ˈpɔːrfərɪn/
noun
- A type of organic compound that forms the basis of important molecules like hemoglobin and chlorophyll, often having a ring-like structure that can bind metals.
- The red color of blood comes from the porphyrin ring in hemoglobin.
- Porphyrin molecules are essential for transporting oxygen in the blood.
- Scientists study porphyrins to understand how plants capture sunlight during photosynthesis.