Final answer:
The ion pairs that stabilize the T state in Hb include salt bridges, hydrogen bonding, and coordination bonds.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the T state of hemoglobin (Hb), the ion pairs that stabilize the structure include:
- Salt bridges formed by the interaction of charged amino acid residues, such as lysine and glutamate. These can stabilize the T state by promoting interactions between different subunits of Hb.
- Hydrogen bonding between the histidine residues and surrounding water molecules. This can help stabilize the T state by maintaining proper hydration of the protein.
- Coordination bonds between the iron ion in the heme group and various ligands, such as oxygen or carbon monoxide. These bonds help maintain the quaternary structure of Hb.