biochem day 16

T state of hemoglobin

The tense state of hemoglobin that has a lower affinity for oxygen, stabilized by factors like high carbon dioxide levels and low pH.

R state of hemoglobin

The relaxed state of hemoglobin that has a higher affinity for oxygen.

Bohr effect

The physiological phenomenon where increased carbon dioxide and decreased pH promote oxygen release from hemoglobin.

Sickle cell anemia

A molecular disease caused by a single amino acid substitution in hemoglobin leading to the formation of insoluble fibers.

Hill coefficient

A measure of the degree of cooperativity in ligand binding to a protein; >1 indicates positive cooperativity, <1 indicates negative cooperativity.

Myosin

A motor protein that interacts with actin to facilitate muscle contraction.

Actin

A globular protein that forms thin filaments in muscle cells and plays a role in muscle contraction.

Contractile unit

The sarcomere, which is the structural unit of a muscle consisting of thick and thin filaments.

Antibody

A protein produced by the immune system that binds specifically to antigens, facilitating their neutralization or destruction.

Immunoglobulin G (IgG)

The most abundant type of antibody found in blood circulation, composed of four polypeptide chains.

Antigen

A molecule or pathogen that triggers an immune response by binding to antibodies or T-cell receptors.

Polyclonal antibodies

Antibodies produced by multiple clones of B cells that recognize different parts of the same antigen.

Monoclonal antibodies

Antibodies derived from a single clone of B cells that are homogenous and bind to a specific epitope.

Conformational change

A structural alteration in a protein that can affect its function, often leading to the binding of ligands.

Tropomyosin

A protein that binds to actin filaments and blocks myosin-binding sites, playing a role in muscle contraction regulation.

Troponin

A complex of proteins that binds calcium ions and triggers contraction in muscle cells.

Sarcomere

The basic structural and functional unit of muscle, defined by Z-disks and containing both thick and thin filaments.

Microfilaments

Cytoskeletal filaments made of actin, crucial for cell movement and structure.

Cytoskeletal structure

The network of protein filaments and tubules that provide support and shape to cells.