Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is a heme containing protein responsible for transporting oxygen in the bloodstream. The heme in hemoglobin is in the form of an iron complexed with protoporphyrin IX. The protection of an oxygen-binding metal from irreversible oxidation is the functional reason for the existence of myoglobin and hemoglobin. These two molecules provide environments in which the first step of an oxidation reaction (the binding of oxygen) is permitted, but the final step (oxidation) is blocked.

See also: Figure 7.1, The Roles of Hemoblobin and Myoglobin, Oxygen Binding by Heme Proteins, Oxygen Binding by Myoglobin, Oxygen Binding by Hemoglobin, Carbon Dioxide and Hemoglobin, Bisphosphoglycerate and Hemoglobin, Globin Gene Expression in Development, Evolution of Myoglobin/Hemoglobin Proteins, Hemoglobin Variants, Thalassemias

INTERNET LINKS:

> 1. Hemoglobin Allostery

> 2. Motion in Hemoglobin

> 3. Thalassemia Overview

> 4. Sickle Cell Disease

> 5. Hemoglobin Overview

> 6. Globin Gene Server