Hemoglobin: A red pigment in red blood cells that can bind with oxygen and is largely responsible for the bloods oxygen-carrying capacity. Hemoglobin is composed of four polypeptide chains, two alpha (a) and two beta (b) chains.

 

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Hemoglobin: A red pigment in red blood cells that can bind with oxygen and is largely responsible for the bloods oxygen-carrying capacity. Hemoglobin is composed of four polypeptide chains, two alpha (a . . . View Full Definition

Abnormal Hemoglobin: Hemoglobin molecule with a different shape due to an altered amino acid sequence (ultimately caused by an altered DNA base sequence), such as in the inherited disease sickle-cell anemia.

Respiratory Pigment: A molecule, polymer, or other complex adapted to bind and transport oxygen efficiently, usually in a circulatory system (e.g., hemoglobin)

Erythrocytes: Red blood cells; doubly concave, enucleated cells that transport oxygen in the blood.

Oxygen Dissociation Curve: A curve showing the percent saturation of a blood pigment, such as hemoglobin, as a function of oxygen concentration of the fluid

Vein: A blood vessel that carries blood low in oxygen content from the body back to the heart. The deoxygenated form of hemoglobin (deoxyhemoglobin) in venous blood makes it appear dark. Veins are . . . View Full Definition

Blood Pigment: A molecule used by an organism to transport oxygen efficiently, usually in a circulatory system (e.g., hemoglobin)

Quaternary Structure: In some proteins, a fourth structural level created by interactions with other proteins. Aspect of protein structure determined by the number and arrangement of polypeptides in a large prote . . . View Full Definition

Red Blood Cell: Component of the blood that transports oxygen with the hemoglobin molecule. See also erythrocyte

Bohr Effect: When blood ph decreases, the ability of hemoglobin to bind to oxygen decreases. An adaptation to release oxygen in the oxygen starved tissues in capillaries where respiratory carbon dioxide . . . View Full Definition