What greenish pigment is formed when hemoglobin molecules are decomposed?

The greenish pigment formed when hemoglobin is decomposed is biliverdin. This pigment is a product of the breakdown of heme, which is the iron-containing component of hemoglobin. During the degradation process, heme is converted into biliverdin before it is further reduced to bilirubin, another important pigment that is yellow in color. Biliverdin is significant in the context of the body’s natural recycling of red blood cells, where hemoglobin is broken down after the cells reach the end of their lifespan.

This conversion is a normal physiological process that occurs in the liver and spleen, and the presence of biliverdin in the body can indicate how efficiently the hemoglobin breakdown pathways are functioning. It is also important in understanding various conditions related to hemolysis, jaundice, and liver function.