noun
- a deep-red iron-containing compound that is the main component of hemoglobin and myoglobin in blood and muscle tissue
Usage: British spelling; American spelling is 'heme'; technical/scientific term
Examples
- Haem is essential for oxygen transport in the bloodstream.
- The haem group in hemoglobin binds oxygen molecules.
- Red blood cells contain haem, which gives blood its color.
- Myoglobin, a protein rich in haem, stores oxygen in muscle cells.
- The structure of haem consists of an iron atom surrounded by a porphyrin ring.