The Question is from neet-zoology body-fluids-and-circulation , and it was created by the author K SUNKANNA

Question

Which specific component of the hemoglobin molecule undergoes reversible binding with oxygen?

K SUNKANNA · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: B
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Hemoglobin structure and function
 **Related Topics**: Oxygen transport, heme group, protein-ligand binding
 **Prerequisites**: Basic understanding of protein structure and function.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The question asks about the specific component of hemoglobin that reversibly binds oxygen.
  Hemoglobin is a tetrameric protein containing heme groups.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Identify the functional unit responsible for oxygen binding.
  Reasoning: Hemoglobin's function is to transport oxygen.  This function is directly linked to a specific part of its structure.
  Formula/Rule:  No specific formula is needed, this is a conceptual question.
 2. Analyze the components of hemoglobin.
  Working: Hemoglobin is composed of globin chains, heme groups (containing iron and a protoporphyrin ring), and histidine residues (involved in stabilizing the structure).
  Key Point: The heme group, specifically the iron ion ($Fe^{2+}$), is the site of oxygen binding.
 3. Determine the component involved in reversible oxygen binding.
  Result: The iron within the heme group is the specific component that reversibly binds oxygen.
  Verification: This is consistent with the understanding of hemoglobin's oxygen-carrying capacity.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Globin chains provide structural support but don't directly bind oxygen.
B ✓: Iron within the heme group is the binding site for oxygen.  Oxygen binds reversibly to the ferrous iron ($Fe^{2+}$) atom.
C :x: The protoporphyrin ring forms part of the heme group but is not the direct binding site; the iron atom within the ring is.
D :x: Histidine residues play a role in stabilizing the hemoglobin structure and oxygen binding indirectly, but the direct binding is to the iron.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing the role of the globin chains with the heme group:  Globin chains are crucial for structure, but the oxygen binding occurs at the iron atom in the heme.
  2.  Focusing on the protoporphyrin ring instead of the iron: The ring is a structural component, but the iron is the crucial part.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember that hemoglobin's function is oxygen transport, so look for the component directly involved in oxygen binding.
  2.Visualize the structure of hemoglobin, including the heme group with its central iron atom.

K SUNKANNA · Answer

Globin chains

K SUNKANNA · Answer

The correct Option is "Iron within the heme group"

K SUNKANNA · Answer

Protoporphyrin ring

K SUNKANNA · Answer

Histidine residues

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