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Multiple Choice
Which molecules are typically bound to hemoglobin when it is in the R (relaxed) state?
A
Carbon dioxide (CO$_2$)
B
Protons (H$^+$)
C
Oxygen (O$_2$)
D
2,3-Bisphosphoglycerate (2,3-BPG)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structural states of hemoglobin: Hemoglobin exists in two main conformational states, the T (tense) state and the R (relaxed) state. The T state has a lower affinity for oxygen, while the R state has a higher affinity for oxygen.
Recall the role of oxygen (O$_2$) in hemoglobin binding: Hemoglobin transitions to the R state when oxygen binds to its heme groups. This binding increases hemoglobin's affinity for additional oxygen molecules due to cooperative binding.
Consider the molecules listed in the problem: Carbon dioxide (CO$_2$), protons (H$^+$), and 2,3-Bisphosphoglycerate (2,3-BPG) are typically associated with the T state of hemoglobin, as they stabilize the low-affinity conformation.
Focus on the R state: The R state is stabilized by the binding of oxygen (O$_2$), which is the molecule hemoglobin has the highest affinity for in this state.
Conclude the reasoning: Based on the structural and functional properties of hemoglobin, oxygen (O$_2$) is the molecule typically bound to hemoglobin in the R (relaxed) state.