ICU Primary PrepCast #Epi 77 - ICU Primary Snippet 20 - Structure of Adult Haemoglobin
Jun 17, 2023
This podcast explores the structure and functions of adult hemoglobin, including its tetrimer structure, reversible oxygen attachment, oxygen and carbon dioxide carriage, buffering capacity, and role in transporting nitric oxide.
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Hemoglobin Structure
- Hemoglobin's structure involves four polypeptide chains, each with a heme group.
- These chains, two alpha and two beta, form a tetrahedral structure.
Hemoglobin Function
- Hemoglobin has four main functions: oxygen carriage, carbon dioxide carriage, acting as a buffer, and nitric oxide transport.
- It significantly increases blood's oxygen-carrying capacity.
Exam Advice
- Medical students should describe hemoglobin in depth for primary exams.
- Drawing the hemoglobin structure with the porphyrin ring and central ion can be beneficial.