Question

Oxyhaemoglobin is an unstable compound because

• A. Haemoglobin is a complex pigmented protein.
• B. There is a physical bonding between oxygen and haemoglobin.
• C. There is a chemical bonding between oxygen and haemoglobin.
• D. One molecule of haemoglobin combines with four molecules of oxygen.

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

There is a chemical bonding between oxygen and haemoglobin.

Because it is simply not bound very tightly. The binding of oxygen to hemoglobin is a reversible reaction that is based on the partial pressure of oxygen. It is also a function of the pH of the environment (oxygen is held less tightly in lower pHs).

So, the correct option is 'There is a chemical bonding between oxygen and hemoglobin'.