33.2- mass transport

Question 1

how is oxygen carried around the body?

Answer 1

by haemoglobin

Question 2

describe the structure of haemoglobin

Answer 2

a large protein with a quaternary structure
- each chain has a haem group which contains a ferrous ion (Fe2+)
- has a high affinity for oxygen- each molecule can carry 4 oxygen molecules

Question 3

how does the haemoglobin saturation depends on the partial pressure of oxygen (pO2)?

Answer 3

pO2= oxygen conc
- the greater the conc of dissolved oxygen in cells, the higher the partial pressure
- oxygen loads onto haemoglobin= high pO2
- oxyhaemoglobin unloads = low pO2