How many heme groups are present in each hemoglobin molecule?

• A. Two
• B. Six
• C. Four
• D. One

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.
2. Recognize that hemoglobin is composed of four polypeptide chains, typically two alpha and two beta chains.
3. Each of these polypeptide chains contains a heme group, which is a complex molecule with an iron ion at its center.
4. The heme group is crucial because it binds to oxygen, allowing hemoglobin to transport oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body.
5. Therefore, since there are four polypeptide chains in a hemoglobin molecule, there are four heme groups present in each hemoglobin molecule.