The role of band 3 protein in oxygen delivery by red blood cells

The synergistic effects of hemoglobin, carbonic anhydrase and the band 3 protein make red blood cells the ideal vehicle for oxygen delivering to the tissues. As long as oxygen is supplied by these ideal vehicles, oxygen intoxication of the tissues is precluded. Band 3 protein mediates the “Chloride-Shift”, i.e., the anion exchange of Cl⁻/HCO₃ ⁻. Because of the Chloride-Shift, red blood cells are able to recognize metabolically active tissues and to supply the minimum amount of oxygen to the tissues. Investigation into the molecular mechanisms of the anion exchange mediated by the band 3 protein was introduced.