Explain what each of the three lines in the following graph

Explain what each of the three lines in the following graph signifies and how they relate to the states of hemoglobin, including the name of each state and whether oxygen binding is better or worse in each state.

1.0 0.8 0.6 0.4 S 0.2 0.0 LA 50 100 150 200 po2 (torr)

Solution

There are two states in the hemoglobin, the T state (the tense state) and the R state (the relaxed state).

Curve A represents R-state of hemoglobin: more \"Relaxed\" and is the fully oxygenated form; it has high affinity for oxygen and is also known as \"oxyhemoglobin.\"

Curve C represents T-state of hemoglobin: this is the deoxyhemoglobin this state has a less of an affinity for oxygen than the R state.

Curve B represents : T to R transition.