Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Hemoglobin Structure
Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen. It consists of four polypeptide chains—two alpha and two beta chains—each bound to a heme group, which contains iron. This structure allows hemoglobin to effectively bind and release oxygen in the body.
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Polypeptide Chains
Polypeptide chains are long sequences of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, forming the primary structure of proteins. In hemoglobin, the specific arrangement and interaction of these chains are crucial for its function in oxygen transport and release.
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Heme Group
The heme group is a complex molecule that contains an iron atom at its center, which is essential for oxygen binding. Each heme group can bind one oxygen molecule, and the presence of four heme groups in hemoglobin allows it to carry up to four oxygen molecules at a time, facilitating efficient oxygen transport in the bloodstream.
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