What color is the blood of scorpions? This question has a right to exist, because for many, the answer to it will seem very unexpected. The blood of all living organisms provides metabolism and nourishment of body cells and, as we know, has a red color. All thanks to the hemoglobin contained in red blood cells (red blood cells), which is based on iron. But there are exceptions.
In this article, we will consider another unusual type of blood that is characteristic of representatives of the arthropod order. Take scorpion and spider as an example. What color is the blood of these creatures - we will try to find out from this article.
Blue blood?
Is it true that scorpions and spiders have blue blood? In fact, blood of such an unusual color does not mean that its carriers have any “high” origin.
The fact is that the blood of scorpions does not contain hemoglobin, but hemocyanin - its analogue. If hemoglobin is an iron-containing substance, then hemocyanin contains copper. Upon contact with air, this element begins to turn blue and, giving oxygen to the tissues, loses its color. From here we can easily conclude what color the blood of scorpions is. That is why in arthropods blue blood flows through the veins, and blue through the arteries.
It is known that hemoglobin is found in red blood cells and in blood plasma. But hemocyanin is dissolved in blood plasma. There are mollusks in which hemocyanin and hemoglobin are contained in the blood, sometimes one of the elements carries oxygen through the blood, and the other delivers it to the tissues.
Hemocyanin functions
Hemocyanin, as a respiratory pigment, carries oxygen in the blood of arthropods. The substance arouses genuine interest among scientists: depending on the size of a living organism, up to 160 of its binding centers are able to work and exist among themselves, transporting, attaching, and releasing oxygen atoms into the blood. Scientific luminaries can use this phenomenon of “teamwork” to create highly sensitive molecular “switches” —molecules that can exist in two or more permanent forms. At the same time, reversible transformations will be possible between them under external influence - a change in temperature, a change in acidity, and lighting.
Therefore, if you come across the question: "What color is the blood of scorpions?" - boldly answer - blue.
Blood color in spiders
You and I have already decided what color the blood of scorpions is, and what about spiders? The arachnid class has a colorless circulating blood - hemolymph. Why is such a liquid colorless? This is due to the fact that the hemoglobin molecule contains a copper atom. Unlike the iron atom that makes up the hemoglobin molecule, it is colorless.
In addition to transporting hormones, nutrients, and oxygen to the body’s cells, hemolymph also performs other equally important functions: it is used to increase blood pressure during molting and lengthening the legs.
In this article, we found out what color the blood of scorpions and spiders is. We hope you find this information interesting.