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 Binding in Tissues & Lungs

Biochemistry

8. Protein Function

Hemoglobin Binding in Tissues & Lungs

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Multiple Choice

In the hemoglobin molecule, what does oxygen bind to?

The porphyrin ring without iron

The globin protein chains

The carbohydrate side chains

The iron (Fe^{2+}) atom in the heme group

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the structure of hemoglobin: Hemoglobin is a protein composed of four subunits, each containing a heme group. The heme group is a complex structure that includes a porphyrin ring and an iron (Fe^{2+}) atom at its center.

Learn the role of the iron atom: The iron atom (Fe^{2+}) in the heme group is the key site for oxygen binding. It is capable of forming a reversible bond with oxygen molecules, which is essential for oxygen transport in the blood.

Clarify why oxygen does not bind to other components: Oxygen does not bind to the porphyrin ring without iron, the globin protein chains, or the carbohydrate side chains because these structures lack the chemical properties required for reversible oxygen binding.

Explore the chemical interaction: When oxygen binds to the Fe^{2+} atom, it forms a coordination complex. This interaction is facilitated by the electronic configuration of Fe^{2+}, which allows it to temporarily hold the oxygen molecule.

Relate this to hemoglobin's function: The reversible binding of oxygen to the Fe^{2+} atom in the heme group enables hemoglobin to pick up oxygen in the lungs and release it in tissues, supporting cellular respiration.