MESOPORPHYRINS Meaning and
Definition
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Mesoporphyrins are a class of tetrapyrrole compounds that are derivatives of porphyrin, a cyclic compound consisting of four pyrrole rings. They are characterized by the presence of a centrally coordinated metal ion, typically a transition metal. Mesoporphyrins have a meso position on each of the four pyrrole rings, leading to their unique name.
These compounds play a crucial role in various biological processes, including enzymatic reactions and electron transfer. They are essential components of many metalloproteins and enzymes, functioning as cofactors necessary for their catalytic activities. One well-known example is hemoglobin, the protein responsible for oxygen transport in blood, which contains an iron-containing mesoporphyrin called heme.
In addition to their biological significance, mesoporphyrins also have applications in various fields. They are extensively studied in the field of photodynamic therapy, an emerging cancer treatment technique. Mesoporphyrins can absorb light energy and generate reactive oxygen species that can selectively destroy cancer cells. They are also investigated for their potential in molecular imaging, drug delivery, and as catalysts in chemical reactions.
Overall, mesoporphyrins are a diverse group of compounds with significant biological and technological importance. Their ability to coordinate with metal ions and their unique structural properties make them versatile molecules with potential applications in various fields of science and medicine.
Common Misspellings for MESOPORPHYRINS
- nesoporphyrins
- kesoporphyrins
- jesoporphyrins
- mwsoporphyrins
- mssoporphyrins
- mdsoporphyrins
- mrsoporphyrins
- m4soporphyrins
- m3soporphyrins
- meaoporphyrins
- mezoporphyrins
- mexoporphyrins
- medoporphyrins
- meeoporphyrins
- mewoporphyrins
- mesiporphyrins
- meskporphyrins
- meslporphyrins
- mespporphyrins
- mes0porphyrins
Etymology of MESOPORPHYRINS
The word "Mesoporphyrins" has its etymology rooted in Greek and Latin.
The term "porphyrin" comes from the Greek word "porphyra", which means purple or purple-red color. This reflects the characteristic deep red-purple color of porphyrin compounds.
The prefix "meso-" in "Mesoporphyrins" refers to a specific carbon atom arrangement in the porphyrin ring structure. It derives from the Greek word "mesos", meaning middle or intermediate.
Hence, the term "Mesoporphyrins" describes a class of porphyrin molecules that have a symmetrical arrangement of their carbon atoms, specifically relating to the middle carbon atoms of the porphyrin ring structure.
