Biochem: Hemoglobin and Enzymes

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to Hemoglobin and Enzymes as per the provided lecture notes.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues.

Oxyhemoglobin

Hemoglobin bound to oxygen, making it an oxygenated form.

Deoxyhemoglobin

Hemoglobin that has released its oxygen, representing the deoxygenated form.

2,3-Bisphosphoglycerate (2,3-BPG)

A molecule that decreases hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen in tissues.

Allosteric Effectors

Substances that bind to enzymes or receptors and change their activity.

pH and Oxygen Affinity

The affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen decreases as pH decreases.

Carbonic Acid

A substance formed when carbon dioxide (CO2) is hydrated, which dissociates into bicarbonate and protons.

Enzymes

Biological catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions.

Cofactors

Non-protein molecules that assist enzymes in catalyzing reactions.

Specificity of Enzymes

The ability of enzymes to select for a particular substrate among other molecules.