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Related Concept Videos

Hemoglobin01:24

Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is a globular protein made up of four subunits. Two of these subunits are alpha chains, and the other two are beta chains. Each subunit contains a molecule of heme, which has an iron atom and can bind to oxygen. When an oxygen molecule binds to one heme group, it changes the shape of hemoglobin, making it easier for the other heme groups to bind oxygen as well.
When all four heme groups are bound to oxygen, the resulting molecule is called oxyhemoglobin. As a result, arterial blood...
Hypoxia01:23

Hypoxia

Hypoxia is a medical condition characterized by an inadequate oxygen supply to body tissues. It typically manifests as a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucosae, especially in fair-skinned individuals, when hemoglobin (Hb) saturation drops below 75%.
Types of Hypoxia
There are four primary types of hypoxia, each resulting from a different cause:
1. Anemic hypoxia: This type occurs due to insufficient oxygen delivery caused by a lack of red blood cells (RBCs) or RBCs with abnormal or...
Gene Families01:57

Gene Families

Gene families consist of groups of genes proposed to have originated from a common ancestor. Typically these arise through events in which a gene or genes are mistakenly duplicated during cell division. Unlike their parent genes (which are subject to selection pressure to maintain function), these gene copies do not need to preserve their sequences and may evolve at a relatively faster rate.
Occasionally these regions can be adapted to take on new roles within the organism, becoming novel genes...
Protein and Protein Structure02:15

Protein and Protein Structure

Proteins are one of the most abundant organic molecules in living systems and have the most diverse range of functions of all macromolecules. Proteins may be structural, regulatory, contractile, or protective. They may serve in transport, storage, or membranes; or they may be toxins or enzymes. Their structures, like their functions, vary greatly. They are all, however, amino acid polymers arranged in a linear sequence.
A protein's shape is critical to its function. For example, an enzyme can...
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives01:14

Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives

The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Oxygen Transport in the Blood01:27

Oxygen Transport in the Blood

Hemoglobin (Hb) is a crucial molecule in the human body, consisting of four polypeptide chains, each bound to an iron-containing heme group. This unique structure enables hemoglobin to bind to oxygen, with each molecule capable of combining with four molecules of oxygen, leading to rapid and reversible oxygen loading. When fully loaded with oxygen, it is called oxyhemoglobin, while hemoglobin that has released oxygen is called reduced hemoglobin or deoxyhemoglobin. As hemoglobin binds oxygen,...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Measurement of Heme Synthesis Levels in Mammalian Cells
09:43

Measurement of Heme Synthesis Levels in Mammalian Cells

Published on: July 9, 2015

Methemoglobin--it's not just blue: a concise review.

Jay Umbreit1

  • 1PPD Inc., Wilmington, North Carolina 28412, USA. jay.umbreit@wilm.ppdi.com

American Journal of Hematology
|September 21, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Hemoglobin and methemoglobin regulate vascular tone and inflammation through a redox couple. This process influences blood flow and contributes to cardiovascular damage and drug-induced methemoglobinemia.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Physiology
  • Redox Biology

Background:

  • Hemoglobin's primary role is oxygen transport.
  • Hemoglobin also participates in redox reactions with methemoglobin.
  • This redox couple influences vascular tone and inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the non-oxygen-carrying functions of hemoglobin.
  • To explore the role of the hemoglobin-methemoglobin redox couple in physiological regulation.
  • To understand the mechanisms linking methemoglobin to cardiovascular damage and drug interactions.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of the hemoglobin-methemoglobin redox couple.
  • Investigation of nitrite reductase activity.
  • Assessment of nitric oxide production in response to oxygen levels.

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A Rapid and Chemical-free Hemoglobin Assay with Photothermal Angular Light Scattering

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Last Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Measurement of Heme Synthesis Levels in Mammalian Cells
09:43

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Published on: July 9, 2015

Biofunctionalized Prussian Blue Nanoparticles for Multimodal Molecular Imaging Applications
11:28

Biofunctionalized Prussian Blue Nanoparticles for Multimodal Molecular Imaging Applications

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A Rapid and Chemical-free Hemoglobin Assay with Photothermal Angular Light Scattering
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A Rapid and Chemical-free Hemoglobin Assay with Photothermal Angular Light Scattering

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  • Evaluation of methemoglobin-mediated oxidation of lipoproteins.
  • Study of heme release in inflammatory processes.
  • Review of drug-induced methemoglobinemia.

    • Main Results:

    • The hemoglobin-methemoglobin couple acts as a nitrite reductase, producing nitric oxide to regulate vascular tone.
    • Methemoglobin levels correlate with blood oxygen status.
    • Methemoglobin contributes to arteriosclerosis via low-density lipoprotein oxidation.
    • Heme released from methemoglobin is implicated in inflammation.
    • This redox system is involved in drug metabolism leading to methemoglobinemia.

    Conclusions:

    • Hemoglobin possesses significant physiological functions beyond oxygen transport.
    • The hemoglobin-methemoglobin redox couple is a key regulator of vascular tone and inflammation.
    • Dysregulation of this system contributes to cardiovascular disease and adverse drug reactions.