HEMOPEXIN Meaning and
Definition
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Hemopexin is a noun that refers to a protein present in the blood plasma that specifically binds and transports heme molecules. Heme is an iron-containing compound found in hemoglobin, a major constituent of red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport.
Hemopexin is part of the heme scavenging system in the body and plays a crucial role in preventing the potential toxicity of free heme. It acts by binding to heme molecules released from damaged or aging red blood cells. Hemopexin has a high affinity for heme and forms a stable complex, known as hemopexin-heme, which prevents the heme from exerting its harmful effects on various tissues and organs.
In addition to its role in heme detoxification, hemopexin also functions in regulating the overall homeostasis of iron in the body. It aids in the recycling of iron by facilitating the transport of heme to the liver, where it can be metabolized and reused for the synthesis of new hemoglobin. Through this process, hemopexin helps to maintain the balance of iron levels in the bloodstream and prevents its accumulation, which could lead to iron overload disorders.
Overall, hemopexin is an essential protein involved in the clearance and transport of heme, as well as iron regulation, thereby playing a crucial role in maintaining the overall health and functioning of the human body.
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An agent causing coagulation of the blood.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HEMOPEXIN
- gemopexin
- bemopexin
- nemopexin
- jemopexin
- uemopexin
- yemopexin
- hwmopexin
- hsmopexin
- hdmopexin
- hrmopexin
- h4mopexin
- h3mopexin
- henopexin
- hekopexin
- hejopexin
- hemipexin
- hemkpexin
- hemlpexin
- hemppexin
- hem0pexin
Etymology of HEMOPEXIN
The word "hemopexin" has Greek and Latin origins.
The term "hemo-" is derived from the Greek word "haima", meaning "blood". This root word is commonly used in scientific terminology related to blood or blood components.
The suffix "-pexin" comes from "pexis", which is a Greek word meaning "fastening" or "clotting". In scientific terminology, this suffix is often used to refer to proteins that are involved in the clotting or removal of certain substances from the blood.
Therefore, combining the Greek root "hemo-" with the suffix "-pexin", the word "hemopexin" refers to a protein that is involved in the binding and transport of heme (iron-containing molecule) in the blood.
