A steric mechanism for inhibition of CO binding to heme proteins.
Kachalova, G.S., Popov, A.N., Bartunik, H.D.(1999) Science 284: 473-476
- PubMed: 10205052 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.284.5413.473
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
1BZ6, 1BZP, 1BZR - PubMed Abstract: 
The crystal structures of myoglobin in the deoxy- and carbon monoxide-ligated states at a resolution of 1.15 angstroms show that carbon monoxide binding at ambient temperatures requires concerted motions of the heme, the iron, and helices E and F for relief of steric inhibition. These steps constitute the main mechanism by which heme proteins lower the affinity of the heme group for the toxic ligand carbon monoxide.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Max-Planck-Arbeitsgruppen für Strukturelle Molekularbiologie, Arbeitsgruppe Proteindynamik, Notkestrabetae 85, 22603 Hamburg, Germany.