Haemoglobin Flashcards
1
Q
What is haemoglobin?
A
a pigment found in red blood cells that transports oxygen.
2
Q
What type of structure does haemoglobin have?
A
quaternary - made of four polypeptide chains - two alpha helices and two beta pleated sheets
3
Q
What type of protein is haemoglobin?
A
globular
4
Q
Why is haemoglobin a conjugated protein?
A
Each of the polypeptide chains contain a heme prosthetic group with an iron centre. These iron ions combine with oxygen molecules.
5
Q
How many oxygen molecules can a haemoglobin molecule transport?
A
4
