Extra Info

Question 1

What is the Bohr effect?

Answer 1

The Bohr effect relates pH (or CO2 concentration) to Hemoglobin’s affinity to oxygen

Question 2

How does the Bohr effect work?

Answer 2

The lower the pH (higher H+ concentration or CO2 levels) the lower Hemoglobin’s affinity to oxygen releasing it into the tissues around and vice versa

Question 3

What are allosteric interactions?

Answer 3

It occurs when a molecule interacts with an area on an enzyme other than the active site which can either close or open the active site (Kinda like an on and off button)

Question 4

How does BPG affect Hb function?

Answer 4

BPG binds to deoxygenated hemoglobin via electrostatic interactions (lowering its affinity for oxygen)
Promotes oxygen release in tissues
Fetal hemoglobin binds BPG less efficiently leading to higher oxygen affinity

Question 5

What is positive cooperativity?

Answer 5

It’s the concept in hemoglobin that after one oxygen molecule binds to Hb the other sites are more likely to bond to oxygen