Hb - structure, synthesis and iron metabolism Flashcards
1
Q
What is haemoglobin?
A
An iron containing protein synthesised (in the adult) by the erythroblast precursors in the bone marrow that will give rise to the mature rbc
2
Q
What is haemoglobin composed of?
A
-2 dissimilar pairs of polypeptide chains each of which encloses an iron containing porphyrin ring called haem
3
Q
What si the function of haem and of globin?
A
Haem - essential for oxygen transport
Globin - serves to protect haem from oxidation, renders the molecule soluble and permits variation in oxygen affinity
