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Glite Dictionary
haem

haem

9.8
A red part of a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen
  • noun
  • /hiːm/
  • UK
translation icon : hem
  • The structure of haem allows it to bind oxygen efficiently in the bloodstream.

Examples

  • Iron is an essential component of haem in red blood cells.

  • Disorders affecting haem synthesis can lead to anemia.

  • The haem in our blood carries oxygen.

  • The haem group is essential for oxygen transport.

  • Iron is an essential component of haem in red blood cells.

  • The structure of haem allows it to bind oxygen efficiently in the bloodstream.

  • The haem in our blood carries oxygen.

Synonyms

heme
vshaem
  • Specialized
2 8.2

Small red part of blood that contains iron and carries oxygen

emphasizes the compound's composition across proteins rather than its transport role
hematin
vshaem
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A red substance containing iron made from a blood protein that helps carry oxygen in blood

refers to the original compound rather than the formed product
protoheme
vshaem
  • Specialized
9.9

A red part of blood with iron that helps carry oxygen

is the broader compound name rather than that specific technical label
haemitin
vshaem
  • UK
9.9

A red substance in blood with iron that helps carry oxygen

is broader, applying across other proteins not only blood hemoglobin

Surface Forms

haem singular
haems plural
hems plural
hem singular

Etymology

Haem comes from the Greek word haima, which means 'blood'. It is the red part with iron that helps carry oxygen in blood, so the origin explains why haem is linked to blood and its red color.