Hemocyanin is a copper-containing respiratory protein found in the blood of many arthropods and mollusks, serving as a primary oxygen transport molecule. Unlike hemoglobin, which uses iron to bind oxygen, hemocyanin utilizes copper ions to achieve its function, giving the blood a blue color when oxygenated. This protein plays a crucial role in gas exchange mechanisms, allowing these organisms to efficiently transport oxygen in their circulatory systems.
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