Definition

A type of protein that contains iron and helps some marine animals transport oxygen in their blood.

Example

Hemerythrin is important for the oxygen transport in certain marine invertebrates.

Conversation

Did you know that some marine animals use hemerythrin to breathe underwater?

Really? I had no idea! How does that work?

Well, it's a pigment found in their blood that helps transport oxygen.

That's fascinating! Nature has such interesting ways of adapting.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hemerythrin is formed from "heme" (from Greek "haima", meaning blood) and "erythrin" (from Greek "erythros", meaning red). The word refers to a red iron-containing protein found in some invertebrates that is involved in oxygen transport, thus relating to its blood-like color.

Memory Tip

Think of 'blood' ('heme') and 'red' ('erythros') to remember that hemerythrin is a red protein related to blood.

Visually Confused Words