| Abstract: | Cytochrome b5 reconstituted with specifically deuterated hemins has led to the assignment of the resolved 6,7 beta-propionate protons and heme meso protons. Freshly reconstituted cytochrome b5 contains a mixture of two isomers in an approx. 1:1 ratio. As time proceeds the minor isomer decreases in intensity until the equilibrium ratio, approx. 8:1, of the two isomers is reached. The rate of the heme disorder kinetics was investigated for cytochrome b5 as a function of pH, oxidation state and 2,4 heme substitutents. Comparison of the kinetic data for cytochrome b5 with that obtained for other b-type heme proteins supports the proposal that the heme disorder arises from a 180 degree rotation of the heme about the alpha, gamma-meso axis. Computer-difference methods allow the spectra of the two individual isomers to be generated. Comparison of the NMR spectral parameters for the two individual isomers indicates small structural differences for amino acid side-chain orientations. |
