Hemoglobin structure and function

Schroeder, W. A. "Hemoglobin Structure and Function. The Proteins", H. Neurath and R. Hill, Eds., Academic Press,... 

Special Focus Hemoglobin and Myoglobin— Paradigms of Protein Structure and Function... 

The red blood cell is simple in terms of its structure and function, consisting principally of a concentrated solution of hemoglobin surrounded by a membrane. 

Hemoglobin alternates between two structurally and functionally distinct forms to fulfill its physiologic role. 

Know what the embryonic and fetal hemoglobins are, their structural and functional peculiarities, and their appearance during the life cycle of the human being. 

The diseases and disorders chosen for discussion and the order of presentation parallel subject matter taught in most first-year medical biochemistry. Chapters in the first part of the book, Nucleic Acids and Protein Structure, illustrate the relationships of protein structure and function with respect to collagen (Osteogenesis Imperfecta) and hemoglobin (Sickle Cell Anemia). The chapters Fragile X Syndrome and Hereditary Spherocytosis discuss key aspects of DNA and protein structure and their respective role in chromosomal and cytoskeletal structure. The chapter cardiac troponin and myocardial infarction provides an up-to-date demonstration of the usefulness of both structural proteins and enzymes as markers of cardiovascular disease, while the chapter cx Anti trypsin Deficiency discusses the important role of endogenous enzyme inhibitors. 

The structural and functional properties of human hemoglobin (Hb) have been the subject of study for decades, stimulated by the intriguing characteristic of positive cooperativity. How do the four subunits that compose the Hb tetramer communicate with one another The answer to this question has been sought primarily through the comparison of deoxy with oxy Hb. However, to understand the molecular mechanism of a chemical reaction, it is necessary to characterize the intermediate(s) of the process, and the reaction of Hb with O2 is no exception. 

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