Hemoglobin is the protein molecule in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood. Each red blood cell contains about 250 million hemoglobin molecules. A typical adult has about 2.4 X 1013 red blood cells, which is about a quarter of the total number of cells in the human body. A red blood cell has an average volume of 90 femtoliters (10-15 liters or one quadrillionth of a liter).
- If it is assumed that entire volume of a red blood cell is filled with hemoglobin molecules, what is the approximate molecular volume of hemoglobin?
- There are four atoms of iron associated with every molecule of hemoglobin. How many grams of iron are in the blood of a typical individual?
- If the molecule hemoglobin is 0.340% iron by mass, what is the molar mass of hemoglobin?