Each hemoglobin molecule contains..

Question

Each hemoglobin molecule contains...

 

a)four iron atoms

 

b)four alpha chains

 

c) a molecule of oxygen and a molecule of carbon dioxide

 

d)  one alpha and one beta chain.

 

which answer is correct? can you please explain. thank you

Answer 1

Hi Suzy, 

 

In addition to Michael's answer, I would add that it is rare that hemoglobin would carry both oxygen and carbon dioxide.

That would be a pathological condition, normally hemoglobin would carry either oxygen or carbon dioxide. 

 

From choices included in the question, for iron molecules would be the correct answer since each molecule of hemoglobin with four sub-units would four heme (iron) groups.

 

Hope this helps as well. 

Answer 2

Hemoglobin is a protein with four subunits, two alpha and two beta.  

Each subunit has a heme group composed of iron (Fe²⁺) that can bind oxygen.

 

So the answer is...