Haemoglobin and Gas Transport

Question 1

What happens when the O2-Hb DISSOCIATION CURVE is SHIFTED to the LEFT?

Answer 1

The Affinity of Hb for O2 INCREASES

*Conditions Make O2 Unloading More Difficult, but Aid the Collection of O2 in Pulmonary Circulation

Question 2

What happens when the O2-Hb DISSOCIATION CURVE is SHIFTED to the RIGHT?

Answer 2

The Affinity of Hb for O2 DECREASES

*Conditions Exist Locally in Actively Metabolising Tissues (i.e. Skeletal Muscle) and > Dissociation of O2 from Hb

Question 3

What FACTORS would SHIFT the O2-Hb dissociation curve to the RIGHT?

Answer 3

*Affect the % of O2 Saturation of Hb

1) > Temperature
2) < pH (Acidotic)
3) > 2,3-DPG
4) > PCO2

Question 4

What FACTORS would SHIFT the O2-Hb dissociation curve to the LEFT?

Answer 4

1) < Temperature
2) > pH (Alkalosis)
3) No 2,3-DPG
4) < PCO2
5) Foetal Hb (HbF)
6) Myoglobin

Question 5

How does the AFFINITY of CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) for Hb COMPARE to that of O2?

Answer 5

1) CO Binds to Hb to form Carboxyhaemoglobin
2) CO Affinity for Hb is 250 > than O2
3) CO Binds Readily and Dissociates Slowly
4) Causes Histotoxic Hypoxia

Question 6

What are the SYMPTOMS of CO POISONING?

Answer 6

1) Hypoxia
2) Anaemia
3) Nausea
4) Headaches
5) “Cherry Red” Skin

Question 7

What are the 5 MAIN TYPES of HYPOXIA?

Answer 7

1) Hypoxic - Common < O2 Diffusion at Lungs due to < PO2atmos or Tissue Pathology
2) Anaemic - < O2 Carrying Capacity of the Blood (

Question 8

How does HYPOVENTILATION affect ACID-BASE BALANCE in the plasma?

Answer 8

1) Retain More CO2
2) > Plasma [H+]
3) Respiratory Acidosis

Question 9

How does HYPERVENTILATION affect ACID-BASE BALANCE in the plasma?

Answer 9

1) Blow Off More CO2
2) < Plasma [H+]
3) Respiratory Alkalosis