Some observations on the reactions of two annelid haemoglobins with oxygen and with carbon monoxide

Recent developments in apparatus for the measurement of the rates of rapid reactions have made it possible to work with much smaller quantities of reactants than has previously been the case and have allowed the extension of work on the kinetics of mammalian haemoglobin to the haemoglobins of other species. In this paper the reactions of haemoglobin from the earthworm and lugworm with oxygen and carbon monoxide are described, and the results discussed in terms of the intermediate compound theory of Adair. The actual rates of reaction are of the same order as those for mammalian haemoglobin, but more detailed analysis shows appreciable species differences in the course of the reactions. These differences are probably attributable to variation in the arrangement of haem groups within the molecule.