Question

Metallic ions required for the formation of hemoglobin are
(a) ${ Fe }^{ 2+}$ and ${ Cu }^{ 2+ }$
(b) ${ Fe }^{ 2+}$ and ${ Co }^{ 2+ }$
(c) ${ Fe }^{ 2+}$ and ${ Zn }^{ 2+ }$
(d) Both (a) and (b)

Answer 1

Hint: Where metal ions assist in the interaction of enzymes between the substrate and the active site. A type of bond called the coordinate bond is formed by metal ions. This bond is formed between the atoms in the substratum side chain and the enzyme's active site. They thus assist in the catalytic reaction of the enzyme.

Completed answer:
Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that contain Fe (iron) and functions as the principal molecular oxygen transporter in the blood. Two major components of hemoglobin exist:
1) Haeme: Porphyrin with a core of Fe.
2) Globin is the second component of hemoglobin. The protein (polypeptide) covering the haema is globin. Cobalt and nickel are important trace elements with a major effect on the stimulation of the development of erythropoietin and hemoglobin synthesis processes through hematopoiesis. Enzymes containing copper such as cytochrome-c oxidase assist in the metabolism of iron, hemoglobin production, and hematopoiesis mechanisms.

Additional information:

Mineral	Function
Iron	Assists in the production of energy, DNA synthesis required for RBC function.
Zinc	Assists in the production of energy, protein, RNA, and DNA synthesis; required for hemoglobin synthesis.
Copper	Assists in the production of energy, metabolism of iron, enzyme cofactor.

So, the correct answer is ‘both (a) and (b)’.

Note:
In cells in the bone marrow, which become red blood cells, hemoglobin grows. As the blood flows between the lungs and the tissues, it is the iron atom that connects oxygen. In each molecule of hemoglobin, there are four iron atoms, which can also bind four oxygen atoms.