Haemoglobin Flashcards
What is haemoglobin?
A large protein with a quaternary structure, that has a high affinity for oxygen. Has 4 polypeptide chains that each has a haem group which contains an iron ion
What is oxyhaemoglobin?
The combining of oxygen and haemoglobin
Where does oxygen load onto haemoglobin?
Where there is a high partial pressure of oxygen
Where does oxyhaemoglobin unload its oxygen?
Where there is a lower partial pressure of oxygen
Why is the dissociation curve an ‘S’ shape?
When haemoglobin combines to the 1st oxygen molecules it makes it easier for other molecules to join. As saturation increases it gets harder for more oxygen molecules to join
What is the Bohr shift?
When the dissociation curve moves to the right because haemoglobin unloads oxygen more easily due to an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide
What organisms will have a high affinity for oxygen?
Organisms that live in environments with a low concentration of oxygen
What organisms will have a low affinity for oxygen?
Organisms that are very active and have a high oxygen demand
