Skip Navigation
About   Site Map   Contact Us
 
A service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine®
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q-R | S | T | U | V | W | X-Y | Z

Porphyrin

Definition(s)

A group of compounds containing the porphin structure, four pyrrole rings connected by methine bridges in a cyclic configuration to which a variety of side chains are attached. The nature of the side chain is indicated by a prefix, as uroporphyrin, hematoporphyrin, etc. The porphyrins, in combination with iron, form the heme component in biologically significant compounds such as hemoglobin and myoglobin.

Definition from: Unified Medical Language SystemThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. (MeSH)   at the National Library of Medicine

Any of various compounds with a structure that consists essentially of four pyrrole rings joined by four =CH- groups ; especially : one (as chlorophyll or hemoglobin) containing a central metal atom and usually having biological activity.

Definition from: Merriam-Webster's Medical DictionaryThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. by Merriam-Webster Inc.

 
Published: February 6, 2009