Definition

A bluish protein that contains copper and helps carry oxygen in the blood of some animals like mollusks and arthropods.

Example

Hemocyanin is responsible for the blue color of the blood in some species of octopus.

Conversation

Did you know that some animals use hemocyanin instead of hemoglobin?

Really? I had no idea! What does it do?

It's a protein that helps carry oxygen in their blood, just like hemoglobin does.

That's pretty cool! Nature has so many interesting adaptations.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hemocyanin is formed from "hemo-" (from Greek "haima", meaning blood) and "cyanin" (from Greek "kyanos", meaning dark blue). The word refers to a blue copper-containing protein found in the blood of some invertebrates, which is involved in oxygen transport.

Memory Tip

Think of 'blood' ('hemo-') and the 'dark blue' color ('cyanin') that this protein gives to the blood of certain creatures.

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