blood pigments

blood pigments

the complex protein molecules found in blood and other tissues, which contain metal atoms in their structure. Such pigments have a high affinity for oxygen, functioning in oxygen transport, e.g. HAEMOGLOBIN in vertebrates (containing iron) and HAEMOCYANIN in molluscs and arthropods (with copper), and in oxygen storage within tissues, e.g. MYOGLOBIN (iron) found in muscle cells. See OXYGEN DISSOCIATION CURVE.