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Multiple Choice
According to the Concerted model & symmetry rule for allosteric proteins, which of the following statements is true for hemoglobin?
A
Each of the 4 subunits in hemoglobin changes one at a time from the low affinity to high affinity state.
B
First hemoglobin's α-subunits, then β subunits change from the low to the high affinity state.
C
Each of the four subunits in the hemoglobin tetramer is either in the low affinity or the high affinity state.
D
Hemoglobin's α-subunits have a low affinity state while the β subunits have high affinity for oxygen.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the Concerted model: The Concerted model, also known as the Monod-Wyman-Changeux model, describes how allosteric proteins transition between different states. In this model, all subunits of a protein change state simultaneously, maintaining symmetry.
Apply the symmetry rule: According to the symmetry rule, all subunits in an allosteric protein like hemoglobin must be in the same state, either all in the low affinity state or all in the high affinity state.
Analyze hemoglobin structure: Hemoglobin is a tetramer composed of two α and two β subunits. In the Concerted model, these subunits do not change state individually or sequentially; they change state as a unit.
Evaluate the given statements: The statement that each of the four subunits in the hemoglobin tetramer is either in the low affinity or the high affinity state aligns with the Concerted model and symmetry rule.
Conclude based on the model: The correct understanding of the Concerted model for hemoglobin is that all subunits transition together, supporting the statement that all subunits are either in the low affinity or high affinity state simultaneously.