Hemolytic disease

Heme proteins are a type of protein that contain a heme group. The heme group is a complex molecule that contains an iron atom, and it is responsible for the protein's ability to bind and transport oxygen and other gases. Heme proteins are found in a wide variety of organisms, including humans, and they play a crucial role in many biological processes.

Structure

The heme group in heme proteins is a large, complex molecule that consists of a porphyrin ring and an iron atom. The iron atom is located in the center of the porphyrin ring, and it is capable of binding to one molecule of oxygen. This ability to bind oxygen is what gives heme proteins their unique properties.

Function

Heme proteins have a wide range of functions in the body. One of the most well-known heme proteins is hemoglobin, which is found in red blood cells and is responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Another important heme protein is myoglobin, which stores oxygen in muscle cells and releases it during periods of intense activity.

Other heme proteins include the cytochromes, which are involved in the process of cellular respiration, and catalase, which helps to break down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.

Role in Disease

Abnormalities in heme proteins can lead to a variety of diseases. For example, mutations in the gene that codes for hemoglobin can cause sickle cell disease, a condition in which the red blood cells become misshapen and can block blood vessels. Similarly, defects in the heme synthesis pathway can lead to porphyria, a group of rare genetic disorders that affect the nervous system and skin.

See Also

• Protein structure
• Oxygen transport
• Cellular respiration