The function of HMOX2 (heme oxygenase 2, Ensembl gene identifier ENSG00000103415) is as follows. [Heme oxygenase 2]: Catalyzes the oxidative cleavage of heme at the alpha-methene bridge carbon, released as carbon monoxide (CO), to generate biliverdin IXalpha, while releasing the central heme iron chelate as ferrous iron. {ECO:0000269|PubMed:1575508, ECO:0000269|PubMed:7890772}. [Heme oxygenase 2 soluble form]: Catalyzes the oxidative cleavage of heme at the alpha-methene bridge carbon, released as carbon monoxide (CO), to generate biliverdin IXalpha, while releasing the central heme iron chelate as ferrous iron. .