7.1 Haemoglobin

Question 1

structure of haemoglobin:
(not counting quaternary)

Answer 1

1 - sequence of a/a in the four polypeptide chains
2 - coiled into alpha or folded into beta pleated sheets (H bonds)
3 - coiled into 3D shape (ionic, H, disulfide)

Question 2

quaternary structure of haemoglobin:

Answer 2

four polypeptide chains linked together
each contains a haem group (with Fe2+)

Question 3

how many O2 molecules can a singular haemoglobin bind to?

Answer 3

4

Question 4

how many O2 atoms can a singular haemoglobin bind to?

Answer 4

8

Question 5

how many 02 molecules can a haem group bind to?

Answer 5

1

Question 6

define association

Answer 6

the binding of O2 with the haemoglobin

Question 7

define dissociation

Answer 7

the releasing of O2 from the haemoglobin at respiring tissues

Question 8

define affinity

Answer 8

the chemical attraction between the haemoglobin and O2

Question 9

how does affinity affect the efficiency of transportation of oxygen

Answer 9

low affinity - allows the O2 to be off loaded easily and more difficult to bind
high affinity - allows the O2 to bind more easily and it’s more difficult to off load

Question 10

what part of the body has low affinity

Answer 10

respiring tissue

Question 11

what part of the body has high affinity

Answer 11

the lungs