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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about the oxygen-hemoglobin interaction is true?
A
The oxygen dissociation curve for hemoglobin is hyperbolic.
B
Binding of one O$_2$ molecule to hemoglobin increases the affinity for additional O$_2$ molecules.
C
Hemoglobin binds oxygen with equal affinity at all four subunits, regardless of how many O$_2$ molecules are already bound.
D
Oxygen binding to hemoglobin is a non-cooperative process.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of oxygen-hemoglobin interaction. Hemoglobin is a tetrameric protein that binds oxygen in a cooperative manner, meaning the binding of one oxygen molecule affects the affinity of the remaining binding sites for oxygen.
Step 2: Review the oxygen dissociation curve for hemoglobin. The curve is sigmoidal (S-shaped), not hyperbolic, which reflects the cooperative binding of oxygen. This is due to the conformational changes in hemoglobin upon oxygen binding.
Step 3: Analyze the statement about affinity. Binding of one O$_2$ molecule to hemoglobin increases the affinity for additional O$_2$ molecules. This is known as positive cooperativity and is a key feature of hemoglobin's function.
Step 4: Evaluate the statement about equal affinity. Hemoglobin does not bind oxygen with equal affinity at all four subunits. The affinity changes as oxygen binds, due to conformational shifts between the T (tense) and R (relaxed) states of hemoglobin.
Step 5: Consider the statement about cooperativity. Oxygen binding to hemoglobin is a cooperative process, not a non-cooperative one. This cooperative behavior is essential for efficient oxygen transport and release in tissues.