Haemoglobin

Question 1

give an overview of the structure of haemoglobin

Answer 1

4 polypeptide chains joined together via a haem group in the centre.
most common is haemoglobin A, and it is the one most affected by sickle cell anaemia. consists of 2 alpha and 2 beta chains. the mutation in the beta globin gene is what leads to the anaemia

Question 2

how many haemoglobin units are found in each red blood cells

Answer 2

270 million

Question 3

what is the pro of using cooperative binding

Answer 3

it makes other bonding more likely

Question 4

how does haemoglobin know when to release oxygen

Answer 4

through allosteric inhibition

Question 5

give a breakdown on allosteric inhibition of haemoglobin and how it relates to oxygen in muscle cells

Answer 5

when the muscle cell releases carbon dioxide during exercise, and it breaks down into carbonic acid within the bloodstream. the increase in hydrogen ions in the blood bind to the haemoglobin and make it harder for it to hold onto oxygen. the oxygen is released and diffuses into muscle cell