Hemoglobin is a globular protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen and some carbon dioxide throughout the body. It consists of four polypeptide chains, each linked to a heme prosthetic group, with normal levels ranging from 12 to 20 g/dl depending on gender. Hemoglobin exhibits allosteric behavior, allowing it to efficiently bind and release oxygen in response to varying conditions in the lungs and tissues.
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