By Jasreet Kaur30, Sep 2024 04:20 PMjagranjosh.com
Do You Know?
Some animals have blue blood because it contains copper, which helps transport oxygen in cold environment. Tap to more about blue blood animals.
Animals with Blue Blood
Creatures like horseshoe crabs, octopuses, and spiders have blue blood due to the presence of hemocyanin, a copper-based molecule used for oxygen transport.
Why Blue Blood?
Hemocyanin contains copper, unlike the iron-based hemoglobin in human blood, giving these animals' blood its distinctive blue color when exposed to oxygen.
Adaptation to Low Oxygen
The blue blood helps animals living in low-oxygen environments, like deep oceans or moist areas, survive by efficiently transporting oxygen.
Difference from Human Blood
While human blood uses iron to carry oxygen (making it red), these animals use copper, which gives their blood its blue appearance.
Medical Importance
Horseshoe crab blood is used in medical testing because it clots in the presence of harmful bacteria, ensuring the safety of vaccines and medical devices.
Efficient in Cold Environments
Hemocyanin works better in colder temperatures, allowing these animals to thrive in cold water and low-oxygen habitats around the world.