The
prosthetic group of
haemoglobin(Hb), consisting of a
porphyrin ring (protoporphyrin IX) with an iron group in the center. This is what binds the
oxygen by forming an iron-oxygen bond. The binding is mediated by the protein
microenvironment and the sixth ligand, which in Hb is a
histidine group.
The oxygen binding changes the electronic state of the Fe(II)-haem, which therefore changes colour from cherry red (oxygenated) to dark red (deoxygenated). Unfortunately small molecules such as CO, NO and H2S bind to haem better, which accounts for their toxic properties.
SMILE:
CC1=C(C=C)C2=CC(N3)=C(C)C(C=C)=C3C=C4N=C(C(CCC(O)=O)=C4C)
C=C(N5)C(CCC(O)=O)=C(C)C5=CC1=N2 (phew!)
PostScript: I reluctantly add a hardlink to the interesting alternative spelling of 'heme' used by the evil overlords of the world.