deoxymyoglobin

molecule

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June 25, 2026

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Deoxymyoglobin is a protein found in animal muscle cells that stores oxygen. It is chemically similar to hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, and both contain a heme group with iron that allows them to bind oxygen. Deoxymyoglobin is characterized by its purple color, which is due to the reduced iron atom in the molecule when it is not bound to oxygen. This protein plays a crucial role in providing oxygen to working muscles, particularly in diving mammals like seals and whales, which have higher concentrations of myoglobin. When exposed to air, the iron in myoglobin oxidizes, changing the meat's color from purple to red (oxymyoglobin) and eventually to brown (metmyoglobin).12

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meat processing
Oxidation state of iron
…state the molecule is called deoxymyoglobin). Within 30 minutes after exposure to the air, beef slowly turns to a bright cherry-red colour in a process called blooming. Blooming is the result of oxygen binding to the iron atom (in this state the myoglobin molecule is called oxymyoglobin). After several days…
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…state the molecule is called deoxymyoglobin). Within 30 minutes after exposure to the air, beef slowly turns to a bright cherry-red colour in a process called blooming. Blooming is the result of oxygen binding to the iron atom (in this state the myoglobin molecule is called oxymyoglobin). After several days…
Read More