5 IRON IN HAEMOGLOBIN

• What is the central component of the haem molecule?

  Iron(II)
• How does oxygen interact with iron(II) in haemoglobin?

  Oxygen forms weak dative covalent bonds with Fe(II)
• Why are the bonds between oxygen and iron(II) in haemoglobin significant?

  The weak bonds allow them to break off easily and be transported into cells
• Why is carbon monoxide (CO) considered toxic in relation to haemoglobin?

  CO is a better ligand than oxygen and binds strongly and irreversibly to iron(II)
• What happens to oxygen when carbon monoxide binds to haemoglobin?

  The oxygen attached to haemoglobin (oxyhaemoglobin) is replaced by carbon monoxide (carboxyhaemoglobin)
• What color change occurs in blood when carbon monoxide binds to haemoglobin?

  It causes a darker red blood color
• What condition is caused by insufficient haemoglobin?

  Anaemia
• What are two causes of anaemia?

  Loss of blood or iron deficiency
• How can iron deficiency be treated?

  With iron sulfate tablets in the diet