Article
Article
Hemoglobin
Article By:
Jones, Richard T. Department of Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon.
Last reviewed:January 2022
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.313800
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The iron-containing, oxygen-carrying protein molecule of red blood cells. The protein hemoglobin (Fig. 1), which carries oxygen and contains iron, represents more than 95% of the solid constituents of the red blood cell. It is found in almost all vertebrates (members of the icefish family Channichthyidae are exceptions) and a few invertebrates [including a number of annelid worms, such as the hydrothermal vent worm (Riftia pachyptila)]. Hemoglobin is responsible for the transport of oxygen from the lungs to the other tissues of the body and participates in the transport of carbon dioxide in the reverse direction. More is known about the chemical structure and function of hemoglobin than any other protein. See also: Blood; Carbon dioxide; Iron; Oxygen; Protein; Respiration; Vertebrata
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