Red Wood cells synthesize and degrade 2, 3-BPG as a detour from the glycolytic p

Question

Red Wood cells synthesize and degrade 2, 3-BPG as a detour from the glycolytic pathway as shown below: As you may recall from the hemoglobin chapter. 2, 3-BPG decreases the affinity of hemoglobin to oxygen by binding to the central cavity of the deoxygenated form of hemoglobin to encourage delivery of oxygen to the tissues. A defect in one or more glycolysis enzymes affects the levels of 2, 3-BPG. The plot below shows oxygen binding curves for normal erythrocytes and for erythrocytes with either defective hexokinase or pyruvate kinase. The normal curve is identified. Identify the curves from erythrocytes with hexokinase or pyruvate kinase deficiencies. Explain your choice

Explanation / Answer

In case of hexokinase deficiency 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate cannot be produced. Means the affinity of hemoglobin towards oxygen does not decrease, which shifts the curve towards left. In case of pyruvate kinase deficiency, the red blood cells contain more 2, 3 BPG, means less affinity of hemoglobin towards oxygen, which shifts the curve towards right. The given graph is correct.

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