tetrapyrrole

Tetrapyrroles are complex organic compounds made up of four interconnected rings containing nitrogen atoms. They play vital roles in living organisms; for example, chlorophyll, which gives plants their green color and helps them absorb sunlight for photosynthesis, is a tetrapyrrole. Another well-known tetrapyrrole is heme, found in hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in our blood. These molecules share a common structure but differ in their side groups, enabling them to perform specific biological functions. Tetrapyrroles are essential for processes like energy capture, oxygen transport, and enzyme activity in many organisms.