porphyrin

porphyrin /por·phy·rin/ (por´fĭ-rin) any of a group of compounds containing the porphin structure to which a variety of side chains are attached, the nature of the side chain indicated by a prefix; they occur in the prosthetic groups of hemoglobins, myoglobin, and cytochromes, complexed with metal ions, and occur free in tissues in porphyrias. The term is sometimes used to include or to denote porphin specifically.

Porphyrin. (A), Pyrrole ring; (B), porphin ring; (C), protoporphyrin IX.

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por·phy·rin (pôrf-rn)

n.

Any of various heterocyclic compounds, derived from pyrrole, that occur universally in protoplasm, contain a central metal atom, and provide the foundation structure for hemoglobin, chlorophyll, and certain enzymes.

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Porphyrin

A type of pigment found in living things, such as chlorophyll, that makes plants green and hemoglobin which makes blood red.

Mentioned in: Anticonvulsant Drugs, Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Porphyrias, Sulfonamides

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porphyrin

[pôr′fərin]

Etymology: Gk, porphyros, purple

any iron- or magnesium-free pyrrole derivative occurring in many plant and animal tissues. Normal findings of porphyrins in urine are 50 to 300 mg/24 hours.

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porphyrin (pôr´frin),

n any iron or magnesium-free pyrrole derivative occurring in many plant and animal tissues. Normal findings of porphyrins in urine are 60 mg to 200 mg/24-hour period.

Porphyromonas gingivalis

n a species of gram-negative, anaerobic, rod-shaped bacteria originally classified within the
Bacteroides genus. This bacterium produces a cell-bound, oxygen-sensitive collagenase and is isolated from the oral cavity.

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porphyrin

any of a group of iron- or magnesium-free cyclic tetrapyrrole derivatives which forms the basis of the respiratory pigments of animals and plants. Porphyrins, in combination with iron, form hemes.

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porphyrin test

the presence of porphyrin in cultures of Hemophilus spp. or Tayorella equigenitalis indicates that hemin is not required for growth.