Hemiprotein

/ˌhɛmɪˈproʊtin/ noun

Definition

A conjugated protein that contains a non-protein prosthetic group, such as hemoglobin which contains a heme group.

Etymology

From Greek 'hemi-' (half) and English 'protein', coined in biochemistry to describe proteins that are only partially composed of amino acids.

Kelly Says

Hemoglobin is the perfect example—it's a hemiprotein where the iron-containing heme group does the actual oxygen-catching work while the protein part acts as the delivery vehicle, making it a biological power couple!

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