The hydrogen exchange behavior of exchangeable
protons in proteins can provide important information for
understanding the principles of protein structure and function.
The positions and exchange rates of the slowly-exchanging
amide protons in sperm whale myoglobin have been mapped
using 15N-1H NMR spectroscopy. The
slowest-exchanging amide protons are those that are hydrogen
bonded in the longest helices, including members of the
B, E, and H helices. Significant protection factors were
observed also in the A, C, and G helices, and for a few
residues in the D and F helices. Knowledge of the identity
of slowly-exchanging amide protons forms the basis for
the extensive quench-flow kinetic folding experiments that
have been performed for myoglobin, and gives insights into
the tertiary interactions and dynamics in the protein.