carbon monoxide binding

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Binding to carbon monoxide (CO). [GOC:ecd]

Carbon monoxide (CO) binding is a molecular function that describes the interaction of a protein or other molecule with the gas carbon monoxide. This interaction can be either reversible or irreversible and often involves the formation of a complex between the protein and CO. CO binding typically occurs at a specific site on the protein, known as the CO-binding site, which is often a heme group.

Heme groups are porphyrin ring structures that contain a central iron atom. The iron atom in heme can bind to a variety of ligands, including oxygen, carbon monoxide, and nitric oxide. In the case of CO binding, the CO molecule binds to the iron atom in the heme group, forming a stable complex. This complex is known as carboxyhemoglobin when it is formed with hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.

CO binding can have a variety of effects on the function of proteins. In some cases, CO binding can activate the protein, while in other cases it can inhibit the protein's activity. For example, CO binding can activate guanylate cyclase, an enzyme that produces the signaling molecule cyclic GMP. In contrast, CO binding can inhibit the activity of cytochrome c oxidase, the final enzyme in the electron transport chain.

The effects of CO binding on protein function are often dependent on the specific protein involved and the concentration of CO. At low concentrations, CO can act as a signaling molecule, modulating the activity of various proteins. However, at high concentrations, CO can be toxic, as it can displace oxygen from heme groups and inhibit the function of vital proteins, such as hemoglobin.

In summary, CO binding is a complex molecular function with a variety of effects on protein function. It can activate or inhibit protein activity depending on the protein involved and the concentration of CO. This function is important for various physiological processes, including oxygen transport, signal transduction, and cellular respiration.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (8)