7.1 (d) Oxygen Dissociation Curves (Soon)

Question 1

The sigmoid-shape of an oxygen dissociation curve is caused by?

Answer 1

The cooperativity of haemoglobin in binding with oxygen. The binding of the first oxygen molecule facilitates the binding of the second and third oxygen molecule (hence the steep part of the curve)

Question 2

When the partial pressure of oxygen in lungs is high, what is produced?

Answer 2

Oxyhaemoglobin

Question 3

When the partial pressure of oxygen in tissues is low, oxyhaemoglobin dissociates to form?

Answer 3

Haemoglobin and four oxygen molecules

Question 4

The shape of the oxygen dissociation curves for myoglobin (hyperbolic) is different than haemoglobin (sigmoid) due to?

Answer 4

Myoglobin can only bind to one oxygen molecule and has a higher affinity towards oxygen compared to haemoglobin

Question 5

How many haem groups does myoglobin have? How many oxygen molecules can it bind to?

Answer 5

1 haem group and 1 oxygen molecule

Question 6

Fetal haemoglobin has how many side chains?

Answer 6

Two alpha chains and two gamma chains

Question 7

What defines an oxygen dissociation curve?

Answer 7

The percentage of oxygen saturation of pigments against the partial pressure of oxygen