Haemoglobin dissociation curve Flashcards
1
Q
What is haemoglobin?
A
- ferro-protein combination
2
Q
Where is haemoglobin found?
A
present in red blood cells
3
Q
What is the role of haemoglobin?
A
carriage of O2 and CO2
4
Q
What is the structure of haemoglobin in adults?
A
- complex quaternary structure
- 4 sub-units - 2 alpha and 2 beta
- 1 haem group
5
Q
What is 2,3-diphosphoglycerate?
A
- intermediate in glucose metabolism
- assists with deoxy-HB in the red cell, changing its structure to weaken affinity for O2
- produces right shift pf dissociation curve, aiding unloading of O2 to tissue
6
Q
What is the reference point on a dissociation curve?
A
The PO2 at 50% saturation is a point that describes the position of the curve
7
Q
Where are red blood cells produced?
A
in the bone marrow (regulated by erythropoietin)
8
Q
How is the structure of fetal haemoglobin different?
A
2 alpha and 2 gamma chains
9
Q
Why is the different structure of fetal haemoglobin important?
A
creates an left shift of the O2 dissociation curve increases affinity for O2
10
Q
What is CO2 carried around the body?
A
- formation of carboamino compounds with part of Hb molecule
- Hb buffering of H+ ions produced during HCO3- production
11
Q
What is polycythaemia?
A
- a greater concentration of Hb
