The iron rich respiratory pigment is called haemoglobin. It is made from iron and globulin ( a protein). It binds with oxygen and forms oxyhaemoglobin. It distributes oxygen throughout our body for cellular respiration.
Hemoglobin is made up of four protein molecules (globulin chains) that are connected together. The normal adult hemoglobin (abbreviated Hgb or Hb) molecule contains two alpha-globulin chains and two beta-globulin chains. In fetuses and infants, beta chains are not common and the hemoglobin molecule is made up of two alpha chains and two gamma chains. As the infant grows, the gamma chains are gradually replaced by beta chains, forming the adult hemoglobin structure.
- Hemoglobin is an oxygen carrier.
- Hemoglobin is a carbon dioxide carrier.
- Hemoglobin gives the red color to blood.
- Hemoglobin maintains the shape of the red blood cells.
- Hemoglobin acts as a buffer.
- Hemoglobin interacts with other ligands.
- Hemoglobin degradation accumulates physiologically active catabolite