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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements correctly describes a structural difference between hemoglobin and myoglobin?
A
Hemoglobin and myoglobin have identical quaternary structures.
B
Both hemoglobin and myoglobin are tetramers.
C
Myoglobin contains four heme groups, while hemoglobin contains one.
D
Hemoglobin is a tetramer, while myoglobin is a monomer.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structural organization of proteins: Proteins can have primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures. Hemoglobin and myoglobin differ in their quaternary structure, which refers to the arrangement of multiple polypeptide chains in a protein.
Recall the structural composition of hemoglobin: Hemoglobin is a tetramer, meaning it consists of four polypeptide chains (two alpha and two beta chains) and contains four heme groups, each capable of binding one oxygen molecule.
Recall the structural composition of myoglobin: Myoglobin is a monomer, meaning it consists of a single polypeptide chain and contains one heme group, which binds one oxygen molecule.
Compare the quaternary structures of hemoglobin and myoglobin: Hemoglobin has a quaternary structure due to its tetrameric nature, while myoglobin lacks a quaternary structure because it is a monomer.
Conclude that the correct statement is: 'Hemoglobin is a tetramer, while myoglobin is a monomer,' as this accurately describes the structural difference between the two proteins.