Interrelation Between the Function of Heme-proteins and the Structural Modifications of their Protein Parts

Abstract

The reaction of reduced hemoglobin with ethylisocyanide (EIC) has been studied by Warburg (1), Russel (2), St. George and Pauling (3). Based on their experimental results obtained in the combining reaction of hemoglobin with various alkylisocyanides, St. George and Pauling have proposed a steric hindrance theory of the mechanism of heme-heme interaction in the reactivity of hemoglobin molecule. The present paper deals with quantitative studies on the reaction of reduced hemoglobin with EIC and the effect of urea on this reaction. The purpose of the present investigations is to re-examine the mechanism of the heme-heme interaction and the Bohr effect of hemoglobin which have so far been observed in the reaction of hemoglobin with oxygen. As is well known, these two effects are of the paramount importance in the chemistry of respiration.