Structure and functions of hemoglobin

Abstract

A presentation is made of current concepts regarding the various levels of structural organization of the hemoglobin molecule, and of the conformation changes which occur during its function. On the basis of data obtained by means of a number of physical methods, largely X ray structural analysis, explanations are provided at the molecular level for the primary functional properties of hemoglobin: cooperative mechanism in oxygen saturation, CO2 transport and the effects of protons and organic phosphates on the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. Using hemoglobin as an example, various physical models for cooperative effects involving enzymes are discussed.