Protein Function, Essay Example

Explain two differences between the oxygenated and deoxygenated states of hemoglobin.

Oxygenated hemoglobin has oxygen bound, while the deoxygenated state of hemoglobin has no oxygen bound (Campbell, 1999). Heterodimers in the oxygen hemoglobin state are weaker because they exist in the relaxed form.

Explain how pH impacts the binding and release of oxygen by hemoglobin.

A differing pH level prevents the ability for oxygen to bind to the hemoglobin as effectively. Furthermore, some of the oxygen already bound to hemoglobin will be released when the pH is altered as well due to a decreased binding affinity.

Explain how diseased cells differ from normal red blood cells in their capacity to transport oxygen.

Because sickle cells are a different shape than regular blood cells, they are not as able to bind to iron and oxygen. The active sites are available, but the conformation of the cell blocks these sites to a greater extent.

References

Campbell, MK. (1999). Biochemistry (third ed.). Harcourt.

Hill, Shirley A. (2003). Managing Sickle Cell Disease in Low-Income Families. Temple University Press.