Hemase

/ˈhɛmeɪz/ noun

Definition

An enzyme found in blood that breaks down or processes hemoglobin and related blood pigments.

Etymology

From 'heme' (the iron-containing part of hemoglobin) + '-ase' (enzyme suffix), referring to enzymes that catalyze reactions involving blood pigments.

Kelly Says

Hemases are molecular recyclers—when your red blood cells die after about 120 days, these enzymes help break down hemoglobin so the body can recover the precious iron and reuse it.

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