Each Mammalian Haemoglobin molecule can carry a maximum number of………….molecules of Oxygen

Question

Question

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AMRU HP BSc Nursing Admission Test 7 July 2024 Official Paper

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 4 molecules of Oxygen

Rationale:

Each mammalian hemoglobin molecule can bind up to four molecules of oxygen. This is due to its quaternary structure, which consists of four subunits, each capable of binding one oxygen molecule.
Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells, and its primary function is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and organs of the body.
Each subunit of hemoglobin contains a heme group, which includes an iron atom that can reversibly bind to an oxygen molecule. Therefore, with four subunits, a single hemoglobin molecule can carry four oxygen molecules.

Explanation of Other Options:

5 molecules of Oxygen

Rationale: This option is incorrect because a hemoglobin molecule cannot bind more than four oxygen molecules. The structure of hemoglobin allows for only four binding sites.

3 molecules of Oxygen

Rationale: This option is incorrect because, while a hemoglobin molecule can bind to three oxygen molecules, it is not the maximum capacity. The maximum number of oxygen molecules that can bind to hemoglobin is four.

2 molecules of Oxygen

Rationale: This option is incorrect as well. Although hemoglobin can bind to two oxygen molecules, it can carry more. The maximum binding capacity is four oxygen molecules.

Conclusion:

Among the given options, the correct answer is that each mammalian hemoglobin molecule can carry a maximum of four molecules of oxygen. This is due to its unique structure that allows four binding sites for oxygen, making it highly efficient for oxygen transport in the body.