Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Gas Exchange and Transport

Gas Exchange and Transport

Gas exchange, the intake of molecular oxygen (O2) from the environment and the outflow of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the environment, is necessary for cellular function. Gas exchange during respiration occurs largely via the movement of gas molecules along pressure gradients. Gas travels from areas of higher partial pressure to areas of lower partial pressure. In mammals, gas exchange occurs in the alveoli of the lungs, which are adjacent to capillaries and share a membrane with them.

Oxygen Transport in the Blood

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,...

Respiration and Gaseous Exchange

Respiration and Gaseous Exchange

The intricate interplay between the cardiovascular and respiratory systems is crucial for efficiently transporting respiratory gases throughout the body. Let us explore the cardiovascular system's multifaceted functions, emphasizing its pivotal role in gas exchange.
Respiration involves the exchange of gases, especially oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2), between the alveoli and body cells, a process facilitated by blood circulation. As a result, the cardiovascular system, which involves the...

Oxygen Requirements and Growth Patterns

Oxygen Requirements and Growth Patterns

Microorganisms exhibit diverse oxygen requirements and growth patterns driven by their metabolic strategies and environmental adaptations. Oxygen, while essential for many organisms, can also be toxic under certain conditions, shaping how microorganisms grow and survive.Oxygen Requirements of MicroorganismsMicroorganisms are classified based on their ability to use or tolerate oxygen:● Obligate aerobes like Mycobacterium tuberculosis need oxygen for energy production, as it serves as the...

The Supercomplexes in the Crista Membrane

The Supercomplexes in the Crista Membrane

The mitochondrial cristae membrane is the primary site for the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) process of energy conversion mediated through respiratory complexes I to V. These complexes have been widely studied for decades, and it has been proven that they form supramolecular structures called respiratory supercomplexes (SC). These higher-order complexes may be crucial in maintaining the biochemical structure and improving the physiological activity of the individual complexes while...

Electron Transport Chains

Electron Transport Chains

The final stage of cellular respiration is oxidative phosphorylation that consists of two steps: the electron transport chain and chemiosmosis. The electron transport chain is a set of proteins found in the inner mitochondrial membrane in eukaryotic cells. Its primary function is to establish a proton gradient that can be used during chemiosmosis to produce ATP and generate electron carriers, such as NAD+ and FAD, that are used in glycolysis and the citric acid cycle.
The ETC is comprised of...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Gold-containing compounds target an apicomplexan Thioredoxin reductase: Disclosing reactivity through structural and functional characterization.

International journal of biological macromolecules·2026

Same author

The kidney and the balance of sulfur and nitrogen as fundamental components of pH homeostasis.

Physiological reports·2026

Same author

Blood buffers: The viewpoint of a biochemist.

Physiological reports·2025

Same author

Is allostery a fuzzy concept?

FEBS open bio·2024

Same author

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Quadripulse rTMS over the Visual Cortex: A Proof-of-Concept Study in Healthy Volunteers and Chronic Migraine Patients with Medication Overuse Headache.

Biomedicines·2024

Same author

Structural Basis of Sequential and Concerted Cooperativity.

Biomolecules·2022

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

High-Resolution Respirometry to Assess Bioenergetics in Cells and Tissues Using Chamber- and Plate-Based Respirometers

High-Resolution Respirometry to Assess Bioenergetics in Cells and Tissues Using Chamber- and Plate-Based Respirometers

Published on: October 26, 2021

Multiple strategies for O2 transport: from simplicity to complexity.

Paolo Ascenzi¹, Andrea Bellelli, Massimo Coletta

¹Department of Biology, University Roma Tre, Roma, Italy.

|August 19, 2007

Summary

Oxygen (O2) carriers, including extracellular and intracellular types, have evolved diverse molecular strategies for efficient O2 transport and delivery. This study examines these varied O2 carrier systems, from myoglobin to red blood cells.

More Related Videos

Oxygen-Independent Assays to Measure Mitochondrial Function in Mammals

Oxygen-Independent Assays to Measure Mitochondrial Function in Mammals

Published on: May 19, 2023

Synthesis, Hemoglobin Encapsulation and Biorthogonal PEGylation in Hierarchically Porous UiO-66 Nanoparticles for Oxygen Delivery Applications

Synthesis, Hemoglobin Encapsulation and Biorthogonal PEGylation in Hierarchically Porous UiO-66 Nanoparticles for Oxygen Delivery Applications

Published on: May 8, 2026

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 13, 2026

High-Resolution Respirometry to Assess Bioenergetics in Cells and Tissues Using Chamber- and Plate-Based Respirometers

High-Resolution Respirometry to Assess Bioenergetics in Cells and Tissues Using Chamber- and Plate-Based Respirometers

Published on: October 26, 2021

Oxygen-Independent Assays to Measure Mitochondrial Function in Mammals

Oxygen-Independent Assays to Measure Mitochondrial Function in Mammals

Published on: May 19, 2023

Synthesis, Hemoglobin Encapsulation and Biorthogonal PEGylation in Hierarchically Porous UiO-66 Nanoparticles for Oxygen Delivery Applications

Synthesis, Hemoglobin Encapsulation and Biorthogonal PEGylation in Hierarchically Porous UiO-66 Nanoparticles for Oxygen Delivery Applications

Published on: May 8, 2026

Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Evolutionary Biology
Physiology

Background:

Oxygen (O2) carriers have evolved over billions of years, featuring diverse iron and copper centers.
Organisms often utilize multiple types of O2 carriers (extracellular, intracellular, monomeric, multimeric).
Circulating O2 carriers ensure tissue oxygenation independent of environmental O2 levels, while intracellular globins support mitochondrial respiration.

Purpose of the Study:

To examine the molecular aspects of diverse O2 transport and delivery strategies.
To explore the evolution of O2 carriers from simple myoglobin to complex systems like red blood cells.
To focus on O2 carrier research primarily addressed by the 'Rome Group'.

Main Methods:

Comparative molecular analysis of various O2 carrier proteins.
Examination of structural and functional adaptations for O2 binding and release.
Review of physiological roles in oxygen homeostasis and cellular respiration.

Main Results:

Demonstration of diverse molecular architectures and reactive centers (iron, copper) in O2 carriers.
Highlighting the functional specialization of extracellular carriers for transport and intracellular carriers for delivery.
Illustrating the evolutionary continuum from simple to complex O2 transport systems.

Conclusions:

Multiple O2 carrier systems have co-evolved to meet varying physiological demands.
Molecular diversity enables efficient oxygen transport and utilization across different biological contexts.
The 'Rome Group' has significantly contributed to understanding the molecular basis of O2 transport.