What is the term for the protein that stores oxygen in the muscle cells of animals?

The correct term for the protein that stores oxygen in the muscle cells of animals is myoglobin. Myoglobin is a globular protein that binds oxygen, facilitating its transport and storage within muscle tissue. This is essential for allowing muscles to utilize oxygen for aerobic respiration during physical activity, thus providing the energy required for contraction.

In contrast, hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that primarily transports oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body, making it crucial for systemic oxygen delivery rather than storage within muscles. Albumin and globulin are types of proteins associated more with maintaining osmotic pressure, transporting nutrients, and immune functions in the blood, rather than specifically storing oxygen in muscle cells.