Myoglobin and hemoglobin are both oxygen-carrying proteins but differ mainly in their structure and function. The basic difference between them is related to the molecular weight of their globin protein.
- Myoglobin has a smaller molecular weight because it consists of a single polypeptide chain, whereas hemoglobin consists of four subunits (globin proteins), making it heavier. This difference in molecular weight contributes to their distinct physiological roles.
- The phytol group, porphyrin ring, and central iron atom are part of the heme group in both proteins, and are not the primary distinguishing features.
Thus, the correct answer is the molecular weight of globin protein.