tetrapyrollic

Tetrapyrrolic refers to a class of organic compounds characterized by a core structure composed of four pyrrole rings linked together by methine bridges. These compounds are fundamental to many biological processes. The most well-known examples include heme and chlorophyll. Heme, a tetrapyrrole derivative, is essential for oxygen transport in hemoglobin and serves as a cofactor in various enzymes. Chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for photosynthesis in plants and algae, is another crucial tetrapyrrole that captures light energy. Other important tetrapyrroles include bile pigments like bilirubin and biliverdin, which are breakdown products of heme. The synthesis of tetrapyrroles is a complex biosynthetic pathway found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Their planar structure and ability to chelate metal ions are key to their diverse functions.