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Concept

Haemocyanin

A circular illustration depicts a molecular structure resembling a neuron with branching extensions, symbolizing the concept of haemocyanin, a copper-bearing protein that functions similarly to haemoglobin in transporting oxygen.

A copper-bearing protein that carries oxygen in the blood of most molluscs and many arthropods, doing the job that haemoglobin does in vertebrates. Because copper binds oxygen via a Cu(I)–Cu(II) couple rather than iron, the protein is colourless when deoxygenated and turns blue when loaded. Haemocyanin is less efficient than haemoglobin in warm water but performs better in cold, oxygen-poor seas.

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