Chapter 22, Problem 5RE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The three ways in which the structure of chlorophyll differs from the structure of heme are to be determined.

Concept introduction:

The basic molecular structure of chlorophyll contains a chlorine ring, which contains four nitrogen atoms surrounding the central magnesium atom. In addition to that, it contains several other side chains and a hydrocarbon tail.

The molecular structure of hemoglobin contains four heme groups surrounding a globin group in the tetrahedral fashion. The four iron atoms bind to the oxygen atom forming an oxyhemobglobin molecule.

The major difference between the structures of chlorophyll and heme group is the presence of a cyclopentanone ring fused to the tetrapyrrole ring.