In
biochemistry, a
metalloprotein is a generic term for a
protein that also contains a
metal cofactor. The metal may be an isolated
ion or may be
coordinated with an nonprotein
organic compound, such as the
porphyrin found in
hemoproteins. In some cases, the metal is co-coordinated with a side chain of the protein and an inorganic nonmetallic ion. This kind of protein-metal-nonmetal structure is seen in
iron-sulfur clusters.
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