A. Hemoglobin is a heterotetramer with two alpha subunits and two beta subunits.

Question

A. Hemoglobin is a heterotetramer with two alpha subunits and two beta subunits. Each subunit has the capability of binding to one oxygen molecule.

a. True

b. False

B. Which hemoglobin subunit is most likely to be in the R state?

a. a de-oxygenated beta subunit in a tetramer where two other subunits are de-oxygenated

b. a de-oxygenated alpha subunit in a tetramer where the other three subunits are oxygenated

c. a de-oxygenated beta subunit in a tetramer where the other three subunits are also de-oxygenated

d. a de-oxygenated alpha subunit in a tetramer where two other subunits are oxygenated

Explanation / Answer

A. Hemoglobin has four polypeptide subunits: two alpha chains are two beta chains. These 4 make two dimers which bind to one oxygen molecule each.

Hence, this statement is False.

B. The R state means the relaxed state. Hemoglobin is most likely to be in the relaxed state when it is oxygenated to its full capacity. (OXyhemoglobin).

Out of all 4 options, the most oxygenation is in option b (3 subunits). Hence, it is most likely to be in the relaxed state.

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