Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biochemistry4h 34m
2. Water3h 23m
3. Amino Acids8h 10m
4. Protein Structure10h 4m
5. Protein Techniques14h 5m
6. Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics13h 38m
7. Enzyme Inhibition and Regulation 8h 42m
8. Protein Function 9h 41m
9. Carbohydrates7h 49m
10. Lipids5h 49m
11. Biological Membranes and Transport 6h 37m
12. Biosignaling9h 45m
Review 1: Nucleic Acids, Lipids, & Membranes2h 47m
Review 2: Biosignaling, Glycolysis, Gluconeogenesis, & PP-Pathway3h 12m
Review 3: Pyruvate & Fatty Acid Oxidation, Citric Acid Cycle, & Glycogen Metabolism2h 26m
Review 4: Amino Acid Oxidation, Oxidative Phosphorylation, & Photophosphorylation1h 48m

8. Protein Function

Hemoglobin Cooperativity

Biochemistry

8. Protein Function

Hemoglobin Cooperativity

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with Biochemistry?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

How many oxygen molecules can bind to each hemoglobin molecule?

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the structure of hemoglobin: Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that is responsible for oxygen transport. It is composed of four subunits, each containing a heme group with an iron ion (Fe²⁺) at its center.

Recognize the role of the heme group: Each heme group can bind one oxygen (O₂) molecule. Since hemoglobin has four subunits, it contains four heme groups.

Determine the oxygen-binding capacity: Since each heme group binds one oxygen molecule, and there are four heme groups in a hemoglobin molecule, the total number of oxygen molecules that can bind to one hemoglobin molecule is four.

Relate this to physiological function: This property allows hemoglobin to efficiently transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues, as it can carry up to four oxygen molecules at a time.

Conclude the reasoning: The maximum number of oxygen molecules that can bind to a single hemoglobin molecule is 4, based on its quaternary structure and the presence of four heme groups.