Porphyrin is a complex organic compound that plays a crucial role in many biological processes. It is a key component in the structure of heme, which is found in hemoglobin and is responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood. Synonyms for porphyrin include tetrapyrrole, which refers to the four pyrrole rings that make up the core structure of the molecule. Other terms that are often used to describe porphyrin include chelatin, chelator and chelate, referring to its ability to bind with metal ions such as iron, zinc or magnesium. Other words that are sometimes used as synonyms for porphyrin include protoporphyrin and metalloporphyrin.