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ePaper created 2013-02-01, 09:35:07 | version 1.24.0
11 COVER STORY | Neutrons 41°40°49° For this reason, the researchers con- tacted Dr. Sophie Sacquin-Mora from Paris Diderot University in France. Garvey knew this specialist for computer simulations from an earlier cooperation. The calcula- tions performed on the basis of data on the structure of haemoglobin and the se- quence of amino acids in humans and chickens showed which amino acids di- rectly influence the rigidity of the protein as a whole. The amino acids are located between small holes in the haemoglobin referred to as caves and are known to be important for regulating oxygen uptake. It is obviously not a coincidence that the se- quence of amino acids is not the same in this region of the haemoglobin molecule in humans and chickens. Evolutionary pro- cesses have optimized oxygen uptake at the specific body temperature of each species and optimized the blood cells’ per- formance. These fundamental findings could also have practical implications in the future. For example, scientists worldwide are con- ducting research on artificial blood that could replace banked blood, for example for accident victims. Those substances that transport oxygen in artificial blood have to be able to traverse the narrowest of blood vessels. It is certainly helpful to know how exactly nature accomplishes this task. :: CHICKEN 41 °C 3|2012 Research in Jülich ... the haemoglobin of humans ... ... in direct comparison. The haemoglobin of chickens and ... Almost identical – and yet adapted to the body temperature ... What experts refer to as the “tertiary structure” is almost identical in chickens and humans. However, there are differences in the amino acid sequences and researchers now understand the function of these sequences.