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UPSC Civil Services (Mains)

Chemistry optional

  • 2 papers
  • 250 marks each
  • 3 h per paper
  • 5 of 8 questions, Q1 and Q5 compulsory

Paper I covers physical and inorganic chemistry.

UPSC Civil Services (Mains), Chemistry optional · 2023 · Paper I

Q7(a). Haemoglobin and cytochrome c; oxy- and deoxyhaemoglobin

Question

Explain the common structural features of two major iron-containing proteins, haemoglobin and cytochrome c, present in the human body. Explain the coordination chemistry at the central metal atom in oxyhaemoglobin and deoxyhaemoglobin. Give the details of the spin states, magnetic moment and oxidation number of the central metal ion in both cases.

Answer in brief

Both are haem proteins with Fe held by four porphyrin N and a histidine N; deoxyhaemoglobin is five-coordinate high-spin Fe(II), 4.90 BM; oxyhaemoglobin is six-coordinate low-spin Fe(II), diamagnetic.

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The full model answer

As written for the answer booklet: the diagram carries the working, the lines stay short. Read here only; it is not offered as a download.

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