The dissociated subunits of hemoglobin have a much higher affinity for oxygen than the intact molecule. Which of the following is the most likely explanation?
A) BPG can interact much more readily with the dissociated subunits.
B) The iron atom moves out of the plane of the heme.
C) The heme dissociates from the globin.
D) The Bohr effect operates more effectively.
E) The allosteric effects reducing oxygen affinity require the intact tetramer.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The allosteric effects that reduce oxygen affinity in hemoglobin require the intact tetramer structure. When hemoglobin dissociates into its subunits, these allosteric effects are lost, leading to an increased affinity for oxygen in the dissociated subunits compared to the intact molecule.

The Dissociated Subunits of Hemoglobin Have a Much Higher Affinity