CHLOROCRUORIN Meaning and
Definition
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Chlorocruorin is a protein complex found in certain marine invertebrates, particularly in some species of polychaetes, which are segmented marine worms. It serves as a respiratory pigment and is responsible for oxygen transportation and storage within the organism. The term "chlorocruorin" is derived from the Latin words "chloros," meaning green, and "cruor," meaning blood, reflecting its characteristic green color when oxygenated.
The chlorocruorin molecule is composed of multiple subunits, typically four or more, which are arranged in a cylindrical structure. Each subunit contains a heme group, which consists of an iron atom bound to a porphyrin ring; this iron atom is responsible for binding and releasing oxygen. Chlorocruorin differs from other respiratory pigments, such as hemoglobin, because it contains additional chlorophyll-like pigments that contribute to its green color.
When oxygen is available, chlorocruorin binds to it, forming a reversible complex. This allows for efficient oxygen storage and transport, especially in environments where oxygen availability is limited, such as in the deep sea. The green color of chlorocruorin enables these organisms to camouflage in their natural habitats.
Chlorocruorin is considered an intermediate between the respiratory pigments hemoglobin and chlorophyll because it has properties of both. Its unique combination of pigments and oxygen-binding capability makes it a crucial component for the survival of certain marine invertebrates, aiding in their oxygen uptake and enabling them to thrive in their specific ecological niches.
Common Misspellings for CHLOROCRUORIN
- xhlorocruorin
- vhlorocruorin
- fhlorocruorin
- dhlorocruorin
- cglorocruorin
- cblorocruorin
- cnlorocruorin
- cjlorocruorin
- culorocruorin
- cylorocruorin
- chkorocruorin
- chporocruorin
- choorocruorin
- chlirocruorin
- chlkrocruorin
- chllrocruorin
- chlprocruorin
- chl0rocruorin
- chl9rocruorin
Etymology of CHLOROCRUORIN
The word "Chlorocruorin" is derived from two parts: "chloro" and "cruorin".
1. "Chloro" is derived from the Greek word "khlṓros" (χλωρός), meaning "pale green" or "yellowish-green". This root word is often used to refer to green-colored substances or organisms.
2. "Cruorin" is derived from the Latin word "cruor" which means "blood". It specifically refers to the red component of blood or blood in a fluid state.
Therefore, "Chlorocruorin" combines these two elements and the term can be interpreted as "green(er) blood". It is often associated with certain organisms, such as marine invertebrates, that have a greenish pigment in their circulatory systems.
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