How many oxygen molecules bind to a single hemoglobin molecule to form oxyhemoglobin?

Prepare for your Anatomy and Physiology II Exam with our comprehensive exam resources. Utilize flashcards, multiple choice questions with hints, and detailed explanations. Boost your readiness for success!

Multiple Choice

How many oxygen molecules bind to a single hemoglobin molecule to form oxyhemoglobin?

Explanation:
Hemoglobin has four heme groups, one on each subunit, and each heme can bind one O2 molecule. So a single hemoglobin molecule can carry up to four oxygen molecules, forming oxyhemoglobin. The binding is cooperative, which means after the first O2 binds, the others bind more easily, but you can’t bind more than four in total. The options of 1, 2, or 3 would contradict the four available binding sites on hemoglobin.

Hemoglobin has four heme groups, one on each subunit, and each heme can bind one O2 molecule. So a single hemoglobin molecule can carry up to four oxygen molecules, forming oxyhemoglobin. The binding is cooperative, which means after the first O2 binds, the others bind more easily, but you can’t bind more than four in total. The options of 1, 2, or 3 would contradict the four available binding sites on hemoglobin.

More practice questions