A protein found in cells that binds and stores oxygen, similar to hemoglobin but found inside cells rather than just in blood.
From 'cyto-' (cell) combined with 'globin' (a type of protein). Discovered relatively recently (2002), it represents a new class of oxygen-binding proteins found throughout the body.
Cytoglobin was only discovered in 2001, making it one of biology's more recent major discoveries! Scientists found it lurking inside all kinds of cells where it helps regulate oxygen levels locally. It's a reminder that we're still discovering fundamental things about human biology.
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