Chromoprotein

/ˌkroʊmoʊˈproʊtiːn/ noun

Definition

A protein that contains a color-absorbing group (chromophore), such as hemoglobin or chlorophyll-binding proteins.

Etymology

From Greek 'chroma' (color) + 'protein' (from Greek 'proteios,' primary/first). Emerged in biochemistry in the early 1900s to describe proteins with pigmented components.

Kelly Says

Hemoglobin is a chromoprotein—the iron-containing heme group is the chromophore that makes your blood red and lets oxygen travel throughout your body.

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