Riftia Tube Worms Contain Unusual Hemoglobins That Bind(s)

Question

Riftia tube worms contain unusual hemoglobins that bind(s)
A) H₂S and O₂ in order to transport these chemicals to their bacterial symbionts.
B) high concentrations of O₂ produced by their photosynthetic symbionts.
C) sulfate to transport this ion away from their bacterial symbionts.
D) ammonia that their bacterial symbionts produce.

Accepted Answer

Riftia tube worms have a symbiotic relationship with chemosynthetic bacteria that are capable of oxidizing hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) to produce energy for the worm. The hemoglobins in the tube worms bind both H₂S and oxygen (O₂) in order to transport these chemicals to their bacterial symbionts. This allows the worm to supply its symbionts with the necessary chemicals for energy production.