Comparing Haemoglobin in Different Species

Question 1

What happens to haemoglobin in a higher oxygen environment?

Answer 1

• Haemoglobin has a lower affinity for oxygen
• Releases more oxygen at cells
• Useful for animals with a high rate of respiration
• E.g. small mammals have a higher SA:V so they lose more heat per gram maintaining an internal temperature

Question 2

What happens to haemoglobin in a lower oxygen environment?

Answer 2

• Lower partial pressure for oxygen in the lungs
• Haemoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen
• Able to load oxygen at a lower partial pressure of oxygen