Gas Exchange

Question 1

Define the properties of Erythrocytes

Answer 1

700 times more numerous than WBC
Donut shaped and central depression instead of a hole.
Size and shape maximises surface area to volume ratio.

Question 2

What is haemoglobin

Answer 2

has 4 polypeptides and globing bind one heme molecules.

each heme molecules red molecule, binds one iron molecule. Bind oxygen.

consists of 2 alpha chain and 2 beta chains.

Question 3

What is the life history of an erythrocyte. gases.

Answer 3

Life span 120 days

Take 4 days to occur in the bone marrow.

Question 4

What three factors depend on the transport of respiratory

Answer 4

Oxygen diffusion gradients
Carbon dioxide diffusion gradient
Haemoglobin oxygen dissociation curve.

Question 5

how is CO2 transported as bicarbonate ions.

Answer 5

CO2 diffuses into the erythrocytes + water = carbonic acid = hydrogen and bicarbonate ions. Negative bicarbonate ions diffuse out of the erythrocytes into the blood plasma.

This movement causes negative chloride ions move into the erythrocytes from the blood plasma - this maintains the electrical balance
This exchange of negative chloride ions for negative bicarbonate ions is called the chloride shift.