Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

High-resolution Single Particle Analysis from Electron Cryo-microscopy Images Using SPHIRE
Published on: May 16, 2017
Crystal structure of oxygenated Scapharca dimeric hemoglobin at 1.7-A resolution
1Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester 01605.
Abstract:
The crystal structure of the cooperative dimeric hemoglobin from the blood clam Scapharca inaequivalvis has been determined in the oxygenated state and refined to an R-factor of 0.157 at 1.7-A resolution. The structure is very similar to the carbon monoxide-liganded form with subtle differences in ligand binding geometry. Oxygen binds to the heme iron in a bent conformation with Fe-O-O angles of 135 degrees and 150 degrees for the two subunits. These observed angles are lower than the equivalent angles in the carbon monoxide-liganded form and intermediate between the angles observed in structures of oxygenated sperm whale myoglobin and oxygenated human hemoglobin. This third high resolution structure of Scapharca dimeric hemoglobin permits a detailed analysis of the water structure in the highly hydrated interface between subunits.
Related Concept Videos
Ionic Crystal Structures
Most monatomic ions behave as charged spheres, and their attraction for ions of opposite charge is the same in every direction. Consequently, stable structures for ionic compounds result (1) when ions of one charge are surrounded by as many ions as possible of the opposite...
X-ray Crystallography
Diffraction
Diffraction is the change in the direction of travel experienced by an electromagnetic wave when it encounters a physical barrier whose dimensions are comparable to those of the wavelength of the light. X-rays are electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths about as long as the distance between neighboring...
Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes
To explain the observed behavior of transition metal complexes (such as colors), a model involving electrostatic interactions between the electrons from the ligands and the electrons in the unhybridized d orbitals of the central metal atom has been developed. This electrostatic model is crystal field theory (CFT). It helps to understand, interpret, and predict the colors, magnetic behavior, and some structures of coordination compounds of transition metals.
CFT focuses on...
Protein and Protein Structure
A protein's shape is critical to its function. For example, an enzyme can...
Protein Families
Globular and Fibrous Proteins
Globular proteins are also known as spheroproteins and typically are approximately round in shape. They contain a mix of amino acid types and contain differing sequences in their primary structures. Globular proteins have many different functions, such as enzymes, cellular messengers, and molecular transporters. These roles often require the proteins to be...

