Role of 2,3-biphosphoglycerate in hemoglobin function

BPG binds to the deoxygenated form of hemoglobin but not the oxygenated form.
1. presence = equilibrium tipped towards the deoxygenated form.
oxygenated hemoglobin = BPG can no longer fit into the cavity
importance = in embryos. there must be a transfer of oxygen from the mother's hemoglobin to the empbyo
1. fetal hemoglobin = beta chain is replaced by a gamma chain.
2. fetal chain has one less posiitive charge in BPG binding cavity than adult hemoglobin and binds BPG less tightly
3. fetal hemoglobin has a higher oxygen affinity than the adult form

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	Created by kathrynmoar almost 13 years ago