Structure and Function of Haemocyanin

Haemocyanin was first recognised as a respiratory pigment by P. Bert in 1867. Over the years the haemocyanins have attracted attention as macromolecules and copper-contain- ing respiratory proteins. The early functional studies of A.C. Redfield (Biol. Rev. 9, 176, 1934) and the ultracen- trifuge work of I.B. Ericksson-Quensel and T. Svedberg (Biol. Bull. 21, 498, 1936) come easily to mind. In recent years haemocyanin studies have come to the forefront with the work of the Ghirettis (Padova)...