haemoglobin

Question 1

definition of saturation

Answer 1

amount of oxygen combined with haemoglobin

Question 2

structure of haemoglobin

Answer 2

complex protein, quaternary structure (4 poplypeptide subunit - each containing a haem group), globular

Question 3

uptake of oxygen by haemoglobin reaction
(word and symbol equation)

Answer 3

Hb+ 4O2 >< Hb(O2)4

haemoglobin + oxygen >< oxyhaemoglobin

Question 4

percentage saturation of Hb calculation

Answer 4

percentage saturation of HB with O=

oxygenated Hb/ max saturation X100

Question 5

why is the oxygen dissociation curve a sigmoid shape

Answer 5

binding of the first oxygen changes the tertiary structure of haemoglobin
uncovering another haem group/ binding site for the 2nd and 3rd oxygen to bind to

Question 6

what happens to the oxygen dissociation curve with a small animal

Answer 6

shifts right
have high Sa: Vol ratio so more heat is lost
a higher metabolism is needed to maintain their body temp
lower affinity at higher pO2 - more oxygen unloaded at tissues for aerobic respiration

Question 7

what happens to the oxygen dissociation curve at areas with low pO2
(underground, high altitude)

Answer 7

shifts left
more O2 loaded at low pO2
transported to tissues for aerobic respiration
higher affinity at lower pO2

Question 8

what happens to the oxygen dissociation curve at high levels of CO2

Answer 8

shifts right
CO2 lowers pH of blood causing Hb tertiary structure changes
lower affinity at higher pO2
Bohr shift to the right