Which of the following best describes the cooperative binding of oxygen to hemoglobin, in terms of the effect of oxygen binding on subsequent oxygen binding events?
A
Negative cooperativity, where oxygen binding decreases the affinity for subsequent oxygen binding
B
Positive cooperativity, where oxygen binding increases the affinity for subsequent oxygen binding
✓
C
No cooperativity, where oxygen binding has no effect on subsequent oxygen binding
D
Inverse cooperativity, where oxygen binding decreases the affinity for subsequent oxygen binding, but only at high partial pressures
Explanation
Hemoglobin exhibits positive cooperativity, where the binding of one oxygen molecule increases the affinity for subsequent oxygen binding, allowing for efficient oxygen transport.
Source
Alberts et al. Molecular Biology of the Cell
Hematology
Hematology: Hemoglobin and Oxygen Transport
Hematology: Hemoglobin and Oxygen Transport
Hard
MEDICAL
Confidence: high