Deoxyhemoglobin

Deoxyhemoglobin is a form of hemoglobin that is free of oxygen. It is the result of oxygen being released to the tissues in the body. Deoxyhemoglobin is then transported back to the lungs where it is reoxygenated.

Structure

Deoxyhemoglobin is a tetramer, composed of four polypeptide chains, two alpha and two beta. Each of these chains contains a heme group, which is capable of binding one molecule of oxygen. In the absence of oxygen, the iron in the heme group is in a high-spin state, which causes the heme to be slightly puckered. This puckering is transmitted to the polypeptide chain, causing the entire deoxyhemoglobin molecule to assume a tense (T) state.

Function

The primary function of deoxyhemoglobin is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body, and then return to the lungs carrying carbon dioxide, which is then exhaled. This process is known as respiration.

Clinical significance

Abnormal levels of deoxyhemoglobin can be indicative of various medical conditions. For example, high levels can be a sign of hypoxia, while low levels can indicate anemia. Additionally, certain genetic disorders, such as sickle cell anemia, can cause the hemoglobin molecules to deform, leading to a variety of health problems.

See also

• Oxyhemoglobin
• Hemoglobinopathy
• Methemoglobin

References

Deoxyhemoglobin Resources
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