Haemoglobin Flashcards

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1
Q

Describe the structure of haemoglobin

A

It is a quarternary protein made of four polypeptides, globins.
A haem group is in the centre of each globin

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2
Q

What significant ion does haem contain?

A

Fe2+ which will be able to bind with oxygen.

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3
Q

Give examples of adaptations of haemoglobin for different environments

A

Llamas that live in high altitudes experience a lower partial press. of O, so haemoglobin should be adapted to take in as much as possible
Foetal haemoglobin can absorb O at lower conc., this is useful since mother’s blood has a lower conc. of O than the air outside

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4
Q

What is oxyhaemoglobin?

A

The complex formed when haemoglobin binds to oxygen

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5
Q

Oxygen dissociation curve

A

S shape
Low partial pressure of CO2: moves to left
Higher partial pressure of CO2: moves to right

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6
Q

What is the Bohr effect?

A

-A high partial press. of carbon dioxide leads to this
- More acidity = Lower pH
- This changes shape of oxyhaemoglobin, so it unloads more oxygen
- Useful for active muscle producing CO2, means
more respiration = more oxygen supply.

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7
Q

Describe how haemoglobin loads and unloads oxygen in the body

A
  • Uptake of oxygen at a high pO2
  • In lungs, haemoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen
  • Unloads at a low pO2
  • Unloads at a high conc. if carbon dioxide
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8
Q

Explain the relationship between SA:Vol of mammals and dissociation curves of haemoglobin. (Heat from respiration helps mammals maintain body temp)

A
  • Small mammal = High SA:Vol
  • High SA:Vol = more heat loss
  • Greater respiration rate
  • Oxygen required for respiration
  • Haemoglobin releases more oxygen
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9
Q

How is oxygen in a red blood cell is made available for respiration in active tissue?

A
  • increased dissociation if haemoglobin

- Oxygen diffuses from red blood cells to tissues

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10
Q

How is efficient gas exchange ensures by the differences in dissociation curves for women and foetuses?

A
  • Foetal dissociation curve is more to the left
  • foetal haemoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen
  • loads oxygen from mothers blood
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11
Q

What is the advantage of the Bohr shift?

A
  • Haemoglobin has a lower affinity for oxygen and unloads it more readily
  • To muscles
  • For rapid respiration
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