Did you know a lobsters blood is colorless but when exposed to oxygen it turns blue
Lobsters are fascinating creatures, and one of the most unusual things about them is their blood. Lobster blood is colorless when it is deoxygenated, but it turns blue when it is exposed to oxygen. This is because lobster blood contains a protein called hemocyanin, which binds to oxygen and gives the blood its blue color.
Hemocyanin
Hemocyanin is a different type of respiratory protein than hemoglobin, which is the protein that gives human blood its red color. Hemoglobin contains iron, while hemocyanin contains copper. Copper is a more efficient binder of oxygen than iron, which is why lobster blood is able to transport oxygen more efficiently than human blood.
Hemocyanin is a very large molecule, which is why lobster blood is more viscous (thicker) than human blood. Hemocyanin is also responsible for the blue color of lobster shells and exoskeletons.
Why is lobster blood blue?
Hemocyanin is a blue protein when it is bound to oxygen. However, when it is deoxygenated, the copper ions change color and the hemocyanin becomes colorless. This is why lobster blood is colorless when it is deoxygenated.
Why is it important for lobsters to have blue blood?
Lobster blood is able to transport oxygen more efficiently than human blood. This is important for lobsters because they live in cold water, where the oxygen content of the water is lower.
Lobsters also have a very high metabolic rate, meaning that they need a lot of oxygen to function. Their blue blood helps them to meet this high demand for oxygen.
Other animals with blue blood
Other animals that have blue blood include:
- Horseshoe crabs
- Spiders
- Scorpions
- Centipedes
- Millipedes
- Some types of mollusks, such as octopuses and squid
All of these animals use hemocyanin to transport oxygen.
Lobster blood and human health
Lobster blood has been shown to have some antibacterial and antifungal properties. Scientists are also studying hemocyanin for its potential medical applications, such as developing new blood substitutes and cancer treatments.
Additional information
- Lobster blood is used in some traditional Chinese medicines.
- Lobster blood is also used in some industrial applications, such as the production of chitosan, which is a biodegradable plastic.
- Scientists are developing new ways to harvest hemocyanin from lobster blood without harming the lobsters. This could lead to new medical and industrial applications for hemocyanin.
Conclusion
Lobster blood is a fascinating example of adaptation. The blue color of lobster blood allows lobsters to transport oxygen more efficiently in cold water. This is essential for their survival.
I hope this article is informative and helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
