What are the structural and functional differences between myoglobin and Haemoglobin?
Daniel Martin
Updated on April 04, 2026
Simply so, what is the structure of myoglobin?
It consists of eight α-helicies connected through the turns with an Oxygen binding site. It has a globular structure. Myoglobin contains a heme (prosthetic) group which is responsible for its main function (carrying of oxygen molecules to muscle tissues).
Secondly, what is the structure and function of hemoglobin? Structure. Hemoglobin is protein in red blood cells that is made up of four chains. Each of these chains contains a compound known as heme, which in turn contains iron, which is what transports oxygen in the bloodstream. The pigment in hemoglobin is responsible for the red color of blood.
In this way, what are the similarities between hemoglobin and myoglobin?
Myoglobin has higher affinity for oxygen than Hemoglobin and its primary function is to store oxygen (can transport as well) whereas Hemoglobin transports oxygen. Myoglobin helps in extended breath holding, especially in aquatic mammals. Myoglobin binds 1 oxygen molecule whereas Hemoglobin binds 4.
Why does myoglobin have higher affinity for oxygen than hemoglobin?
Myoglobin therefore needs to have a higher oxygen affinity than hemoglobin. Myoglobin owes its high affinity for oxygen to several factors. First, it has a proximal histidine group that helps it bind oxygen. By retarding the release of the oxygen with its structure, myoglobin can bind and hold on to oxygen atoms.