Answers: Copper for Life: Haemocyanin (11-14)

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1. What is the name for proteins that contain metal atoms?

Metalloproteins.

2. Haemoglobin contains which metal atoms?

Iron.

3. Haemocyanin contains which metal atoms?

Copper.

4. Haemocyanin transports which molecules around the bodies of slugs and limpets?

Oxygen.

5. What is the equivalent of blood in invertebrates like snails, crabs and molluscs called?

Haemolymph.

6. When haemocyanin picks up an oxygen atom we say it is oxygenated. What colour is oxygenated haemocyanin?

A blueish purple.

7. Which animal does keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH) come from?

The giant keyhole limpet.

8. What are the medical uses of KLH?

KLH is used as a vaccine carrier and in research on the immune system and cancer.