Definition

1. Noun:
   • A complex red organic pigment containing iron and other atoms to which oxygen binds: Hematin is a chemical compound derived from hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying molecule in red blood cells. It is a crucial component in biological systems for oxygen transport and storage.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The scientist studied the structure of hematin to understand oxygen binding.
  • Hematin is formed when hemoglobin breaks down.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific Context: In biochemistry and medicine, "hematin" often refers to the form of heme where the iron is in the Fe³⁺ (ferric) state. It is discussed in contexts like porphyria treatments or as a standard in laboratory analyses.
  • The patient was administered hematin to alleviate the acute symptoms of porphyria.

Variants and Related Words

• Heme (noun): The non-protein, iron-containing component of hemoglobin and other molecules. Hematin is an oxidized form of heme.
  • Heme gives blood its red color.
• Hematinic (adjective/noun): (Adj.) Referring to a substance that improves the quality of blood. (N.) A hematinic agent.
  • Iron supplements are common hematinics.

Synonyms

• Ferriheme: A technical synonym for hematin, emphasizing the ferric iron state.
• Haematin (noun): The British English spelling variant.

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Hematin derivative: A compound chemically derived from hematin.
  • Researchers synthesized a new hematin derivative for the study.
• Hematin crystal: The crystalline form of the compound, often observed under a microscope.
  • The presence of hematin crystals can be indicative of certain conditions.

Noun

1. a complex red organic pigment containing iron and other atoms to which oxygen binds