hemeihin
Hemeihin is the Finnish term used to refer to heme groups, the iron-containing prosthetic groups found in a wide range of biological proteins. A heme consists of a porphyrin ring, known as protoporphyrin IX, coordinated to a central iron atom. In many proteins, the iron can reversibly bind small molecules such as oxygen, carbon monoxide, or nitric oxide, enabling essential biological functions.
Structure and chemistry. The iron atom sits at the center of the planar porphyrin ring and is
Biosynthesis and degradation. In most organisms, heme biosynthesis occurs partly in the mitochondria and partly in
Biological roles. Heme groups are central to oxygen transport (as in hemoglobin and myoglobin), electron transfer
Clinical and research relevance. Abnormal heme synthesis or degradation can lead to disorders such as porphyrias.