In the transformation of oxyhaemoglobin to deoxyhaemoglobin:a)Fe2+ in ...
Understanding Oxyhaemoglobin and Deoxyhaemoglobin Transformation
The transformation of oxyhaemoglobin to deoxyhaemoglobin involves significant changes in the iron (Fe) state within the haem group.
Oxyhaemoglobin State
- In oxyhaemoglobin, the iron is in the Fe2+ state.
- This Fe2+ is typically in a low spin configuration due to the strong field ligands (oxygen) surrounding it.
Transition to Deoxyhaemoglobin
- Upon the release of oxygen (deoxygenation), the iron undergoes a transition.
- The Fe2+ in the low spin state changes to a high spin state.
Significance of High Spin State
- In the high spin state, the iron has unpaired electrons, which leads to a change in the geometry of the haem group.
- This conformational change is crucial as it allows haemoglobin to release oxygen more effectively.
Other Options Explained
- Option B is incorrect because Fe2+ does not change to Fe3+ in the low spin state; rather, it remains Fe2+.
- Option C is incorrect as it suggests a transition within the same oxidation state (Fe2+) without the influence of oxygen.
- Option D is also incorrect because it implies a change to Fe3+ while in the high spin state, which does not occur in this context.
Conclusion
The correct answer is option A because the transformation from oxyhaemoglobin to deoxyhaemoglobin indeed involves the change of Fe2+ from a low spin state to a high spin state, facilitating the release of oxygen.
In the transformation of oxyhaemoglobin to deoxyhaemoglobin:a)Fe2+ in ...
In hemoglobin, the iron remains in the +2 oxidation state throughout oxygenation and deoxygenation. The key change is in the spin state:
- In oxyhaemoglobin, the Fe²⁺ is in a low spin state (due to strong-field binding of O₂).
- In deoxyhaemoglobin, the Fe²⁺ is in a high spin state (when O₂ is released).