Haem proteins

Iron-containing protein, haemoglobin. Carries oxygen Bound to a non-protein group that contains Fe2+ Fe2+ is an essential component of a range of haem proteins

Role of Haem in Haemoglobin

It is the Fe2+ ions that bind oxygen to the haemoglobin Each haem group can bind one oxygen molecule Each of the 4 haem group binds oxygen simultaneously Equation:

Each of the lone pairs on the nitrogen can form a co-ordinate bond with the iron(II) ion holding it at the centre of the complicated ring of atoms. The iron forms 4 co-ordinate bonds with the haem, but still has space to form two more - one above and one below the plane of the ring.

The protein globin attaches to one of these positions using a lone pair on one of the nitrogens in one of its amino acids. The interesting bit is the other position.

 Overall, the complex ion has a co-ordination number of 6 because the central metal ion is forming 6 coordinate bonds.
The water molecule which is bonded to the bottom position in the diagram is easily replaced by an oxygen molecule (again via a lone pair on one of the oxygens in O2) - and this is how oxygen gets carried around the blood by the haemoglobin.

When the oxygen gets to where it is needed, it breaks away from the haemoglobin which returns to the lungs to get some more.

 Oxygen can also be replaced by another ligand that binds more strongly.
Replaces oxygen in the haemoglobin, and forms a stable complex 200 times stronger and IRREVERSIBLE

Role of Haem in Cytochromes

Cytochromes are present in the mitochondria Cytochromes are responsible for the production of ATP in the final stage of the respiration process. Redox processes involving electron transfer are crucial at this stage and the ability of the Fe2+ ions to form Fe3+ ions relatively easily, is important.

Role of Zinc Enzyme cofactor

Carbonic anhydrase removes CO2 from blood - Accelerates the rate by a factor of 1 000 000 - present in red blood cell - contains Zn2+ as a prosthetic group at the active site

 The Zn2+ is bound to the enzyme as part of a complex using N atoms from amino acid sidechains as ligands.

Equation:
Mechanism of this reaction: High charge density on the Zn2+ ion assists the breakdown of water molecule to form OH- & H+ The OH- ions is a nucleophile, it attacks the CO2 molecule. (name of reaction?) HCO3 is produced The HCO3 ion is released and a further water molecule binds to the zinc.