Heme

Heme is a small, ring-shaped iron-containing molecule that serves as an essential prosthetic group in various proteins, most notably hemoglobin. It is critical for oxygen transport in the bloodstream and plays diverse roles in redox reactions, electron transfer, and catalysis within living organisms. It consists of a central iron ion (Fe) coordinated to a porphyrin ring. Key biological roles include oxygen transport/storage, electron transfer, and enzymatic catalysis. Disorders involving abnormal synthesis or degradation include various types of anemia and porphyria syndromes.

Other names

HaemFerroprotoporphyrin IXFerrous protoporphyrin IX