The value of n,the Hill constant (coefficient),for hemoglobin is about ______ as great as the value for myoglobin.
A)half
B)twice
C)three times
D)five times
E)ten times

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Hill constant (coefficient) represents the cooperativity of oxygen binding to the protein. Hemoglobin exhibits cooperative binding of oxygen which results in sigmoidal (S-shaped) oxygen dissociation curve, while myoglobin shows a hyperbolic oxygen dissociation curve which is indicative of non-cooperative binding. The Hill constant for hemoglobin is approximately 2.8, whereas for myoglobin it is approximately 1. So, the value of n for hemoglobin is about three times as great as the value for myoglobin.

The Value of N,the Hill Constant (Coefficient),for Hemoglobin Is About