Chapter 3B (Mass Flow and Transport) Flashcards
How do organisms transport substances over large distances?
Mass transport systems, such as the circulatory system (which is very efficient).
Why is haemoglobin an important part of the circulatory system?
Mainly because its role is to carry oxygen around the body.
In what types of organisms is haemoglobin found?
Haemoglobin is found in all vertebrates, earthworms, starfish, insects, plants and bacteria.
What type of structure is haemoglobin?
Haemoglobin is a large protein with a Quaternary structure, made of 4 polypeptide chains.
In each chain of haemoglobin, what is found?
A haem group containing an iron ion.
Why is haemoglobin red?
It contains iron ions.
How much oxygen can one hameoglobin molecule carry?
4 oxygen molecules.
When oxygen joins to haemoglobin in the lungs, what is formed?
Oxyhaemoglobin.
The combination of oxygen and haemoglobin is what?
A reversible reaction.
Near body cells, does oxygen leave or enter oxyhaemoglobin?
It leaves the oxyhaemoglobin molecules, making haemoglobin.
When an oxygen molecule joins to haemoglobin, it is referred to as…?
Loading.
When an oxygen molecule leaves a haemoglobin, it is referred to as?
Unloading.
The tendency for a molecule to bind to oxygen is known as?
Affinity.
Haemoglobin’s affinity for oxygen varies depending on the?
Partial Pressure of Oxygen.
What is partial pressure of oxygen a measure of?
PO2 is a measure of oxygen concentration.
