Effect of free heme on the nucleation rate, J (a), delay time, θ (b), and growth rate, R (c) in HbS polymer fibers. All determinations were carried out as in previous studies (31,32). HbS concentrations (mg ml−1) are shown in a and b. Solid symbols represent HbS solution in 0.15 M phosphate buffer with no heme added. Open symbols represent dialyzed solutions with heme added at the concentrations (mM) shown in b. Lines are guides for the eye.