ASL STEM

Definition

A multimeric globular protein containing a heme prosthetic group that readily binds oxygen as a result of allosteric changes in proximal and distal histidine residues. Hemoglobin is found in nearly all mammals, and it has a low affinity for oxygen, as opposed to the structurally related myoglobin. Hemoglobin's multimeric structure allows it to participate in cooperative binding.