Actiniohematin

/ˌæk.tɪ.niˌoʊˈhɛm.ə.tɪn/ noun

Definition

A type of hemoglobin or iron-containing pigment found in certain sea anemones and marine organisms.

Etymology

From Greek 'aktinia' (sea anemone) + 'hematin' (iron-containing compound from Greek 'haima', blood). Describes blood-like oxygen-carrying pigments in marine creatures.

Kelly Says

Instead of using hemoglobin like we do, some sea anemones use actiniohematin to carry oxygen through their bodies—it's a reminder that evolution found multiple solutions to the same problem, and different creatures literally have different colored 'blood.'

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