The red color of blood is due to a protein called hemoglobin found within red blood cells. Hemoglobin is made up of subunits called hemes, which contain iron molecules. These iron molecules are responsible for binding oxygen and transporting it throughout the body. The iron in the hemes gives blood its characteristic red color.
Here's a breakdown:
- Hemoglobin: A protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
- Heme: A subunit of hemoglobin that contains iron.
- Iron: A mineral that binds oxygen and gives blood its red color.
Therefore, the presence of iron in the heme molecules of hemoglobin is what makes blood red.
