heme: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Academic, Technical, Scientific
Quick answer
What does “heme” mean?
The deep red, iron-containing component of hemoglobin and other proteins in the blood, which binds to and transports oxygen.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The deep red, iron-containing component of hemoglobin and other proteins in the blood, which binds to and transports oxygen.
In broader biological contexts, it refers to the iron-protoporphyrin complex that serves as a prosthetic group in various hemoproteins, crucial for processes like electron transfer and catalysis.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'haem' is standard in British English (e.g., haemoglobin). 'Heme' is standard in American English.
Connotations
None. Purely scientific denotation.
Frequency
Equally frequent within their respective scientific/medical registers. Virtually non-existent in everyday conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “heme” in a Sentence
[The] heme [in/of something] binds/catalyses...[Verb] heme biosynthesis/pathwayVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “heme” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The haem-containing protein is essential.
- Haem biosynthesis is regulated.
American English
- The heme-containing protein is essential.
- Heme biosynthesis is regulated.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Central term in biochemistry, physiology, and medicine. Used in research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might appear in advanced health/nutrition contexts (e.g., 'heme iron vs non-heme iron').
Technical
Fundamental term in hematology, enzymology, and molecular biology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “heme”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “heme”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “heme”
- Misspelling as 'heam' or 'heeme'.
- Incorrectly using 'heme' as a general term for blood.
- Pronouncing it like 'hem' (edge of cloth) /hɛm/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they refer to the same biochemical compound. 'Heme' is the American English spelling, while 'haem' is the British English spelling.
It is very rare. The closest would be in a nutrition context: 'Red meat is a good source of heme iron, which is more bioavailable.'
Its primary function is to bind oxygen in haemoglobin and myoglobin, enabling oxygen transport and storage in the body. It also serves as a cofactor in various enzymes for electron transfer and catalysis.
It is primarily a noun. It can function attributively as a noun adjunct in compounds like 'heme protein' (functioning similarly to an adjective).
The deep red, iron-containing component of hemoglobin and other proteins in the blood, which binds to and transports oxygen.
Heme is usually academic, technical, scientific in register.
Heme: in British English it is pronounced /hiːm/, and in American English it is pronounced /hiːm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: HEME helps blood be HEMoglobin. The 'HEM' is the same.
Conceptual Metaphor
None applicable; it is a concrete biochemical entity.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the word 'heme'?