Chem 255

Explanation of Hemoglobin’s (Hb) binding curve

Hemoglobin has 2 conformational states

At first, before O2 is present

Bohr Effect

N NH

His

N NH

His

Allosteric Interactions:
 T R If add O2

If lower pH

If raise pH

0.9

0.8

0.7

0.6
ΨO2
0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

30 50
10
pO2 (torr)

Hemoglobin’s relationship to CO2 concentration

Metabolism: carbohydrates + O2 !

Other considerations regarding Hemoglobin (Hb)

CO2 reacts with N-Terminals to form Carbamates

 O
R-NH2 + C
O

Carbon monoxide CO

BPG- Bisphosphoglycerate

O
O H2
P C O
O O CH
O H
O O N NH
P
O His
O

Lys

ΨO2

pO2
Hemoglobins R and T states