Question

Describe the structure and function of haemoglobin (Hb). You should include a description of both tertiary and quaternary structures of the protein and the location and function of non-protein components.

Answer 1

Answer:

Heamoglobin is the structure present in red blood cells which is involved in carrying of oxygen from the blood to all parts of the body.

Explanation:

Tertiary Structure :  A molecule of heamoglobin consists of four groups of heme and a group of globulin.A molecule of heamoglobin contains four iron atoms to which oxygen molecules get attached. As there are four iron atoms in a molecule of heamoglobin so a single heamoglobin molecule can carry four oxygen atoms.

Quaternary structure: Multi sub unit globular proteins combine to make the Quaternary structure of heamoglobin. Alpha helices are made by the amino acids present in heamoglobin. Non helical segments, short in length, connect the alpha helices. The helical segments are stabilized by hydrogen bonds which results in folding of the polypeptide into the specific Quaternary shape.

 Function:

1.The basic function of heamoglobin is that it transfers oxygen from the lungs to different parts of the body.

2. CO2 ions and hydrogen ions are also transported by the heamoglobin.