Untitled Flashcards Set

Kd

Dissociation constant in reversible protein-ligand binding that quantifies the affinity between a protein and its ligand.

Fractional occupancy (Y or θ)

The fraction of protein that exists in a protein-ligand complex divided by the total amount of protein.

Heme group

An iron-containing structure in hemoglobin and myoglobin crucial for oxygen binding.

Hill coefficient (nH)

A measure of the cooperativity of ligand binding to a protein; nH indicates the degree of cooperativity.

T state

The tense state of hemoglobin, characterized by low oxygen affinity.

R state

The relaxed state of hemoglobin, characterized by high oxygen affinity.

Allosteric modulator

A molecule that binds to a site other than the active site of a protein, influencing its activity.

Positive allosteric effector

Molecules, such as O₂ and CO, that enhance the binding affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen.

Bohr effect

The phenomenon where a decrease in pH or increase in CO₂ concentration lowers hemoglobin's oxygen affinity.

Sickle-cell anemia

A genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin gene, leading to abnormal, sickle-shaped red blood cells.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by B cells of the immune system that recognize and neutralize antigens.

Epitope

The specific part of an antigen that is recognized and bound by an antibody.

V(D)J recombination

A process that generates antibody diversity through the rearrangement of immunoglobulin gene segments.

Immunological memory

The ability of the immune system to rapidly recognize and respond to previously encountered pathogens.

Hapten

A small molecule that can elicit an immune response when attached to a larger carrier protein.