Hemoglobin (suggested by Grant)
Like a gift
I wrap the iron
securely in a net
tightly bound
in the red blood cells
reaching for oxygen
special delivery
to your cells
respirator
antioxidant
micro-carrier
of life
Yes, this is the molecule that makes red blood cells red and takes oxygen up to the brain. It also has significant regulatory functions that I didn’t know about! Blood pressure is partially regulated by hemoglobin, and it is essential in the kidneys, as well.
A really interesting and explanatory image for hemoglobin is at the ACS site. I didn’t want to just copy it here because I don’t have permission, but it’s a great illustration!
I also found an undergraduate paper available online, that has illustrations and explanations of how this molecule is made and how it functions: K R Heiner paper at Davidson College, North Carolina