Chapter 19, Problem 2CYU

Summary Introduction

To review:

The effect of abnormal hemoglobin protein (carrying only two iron ions instead of four) on homeostasis.

Introduction:

Erythrocytes contain about one billion molecules of oxygen binding protein hemoglobin (Hb). The hemoglobin consists of four polypeptide subunits: two alpha $\left(\text{α}\right)$ chains and two beta $\left(\text{β}\right)$ chains. Each polypeptide contains an iron-containing compound called heme group, which is the site for binding of oxygen.