In the text, we learned that BPG is abundantly present in erythrocytes to greatly reduce the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. When 2,3-BPG binds to deoxyhemoglobin, it acts to stabilize the low oxygen affinity state (T state) of the oxygen carrier. What would happen to hemoglobin if the BPG were removed? Would our body still be able to efficiently deliver oxygen to the tissues?

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...
icon
Related questions
Question

In the text, we learned that BPG is abundantly present in erythrocytes to greatly reduce the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. When 2,3-BPG binds to deoxyhemoglobin, it acts to stabilize the low oxygen affinity state (T state) of the oxygen carrier. What would happen to hemoglobin if the BPG were removed? Would our body still be able to efficiently deliver oxygen to the tissues?

Expert Solution
Step 1

The α and β subunits of hemoglobin are homologous and have similar three-dimensional structures. The capacity of hemoglobin to bind oxygen depends on the presence of a bound prosthetic group called heme. The heme group is responsible for the distinctive red color of blood. The heme group consists of an organic component and a central iron atom. 

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Anatomy and Physiology
ISBN:
9780134580999
Author:
Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:
PEARSON
Anatomy & Physiology
Anatomy & Physiology
Anatomy and Physiology
ISBN:
9781259398629
Author:
McKinley, Michael P., O'loughlin, Valerie Dean, Bidle, Theresa Stouter
Publisher:
Mcgraw Hill Education,
Human Anatomy
Human Anatomy
Anatomy and Physiology
ISBN:
9780135168059
Author:
Marieb, Elaine Nicpon, Brady, Patricia, Mallatt, Jon
Publisher:
Pearson Education, Inc.,
Anatomy & Physiology: An Integrative Approach
Anatomy & Physiology: An Integrative Approach
Anatomy and Physiology
ISBN:
9780078024283
Author:
Michael McKinley Dr., Valerie O'Loughlin, Theresa Bidle
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Human Anatomy & Physiology (Marieb, Human Anatomy…
Human Anatomy & Physiology (Marieb, Human Anatomy…
Anatomy and Physiology
ISBN:
9780321927040
Author:
Elaine N. Marieb, Katja Hoehn
Publisher:
PEARSON