Dynamics of Carbon Monoxide Binding by Heme Proteins

Abstract

Rebinding of carbon monoxide to myoglobin and to cytochrome P-450 after removal by a light flash occurs down to 50 degrees K for myoglobin and 25 degrees K for cytochrome P-450 in glycerol-water solution. Above 240 degrees K the reaction is second order; between 240 degrees and 200 degrees K the rebinding becomes exponential and independent of the carbon monoxide concentration. Below 150 degrees K the reaction follows a power law and is approximately 10(3) times faster for cytochrome P-450 than for myoglobin.