Mass transport Flashcards
What is the structure of haemaglobin?
Quaternary protein structure, made of four polypeptide chains
What is the process by which haemoglobin binds with oxygen?
Loading or associating
How does a high affinity for oxygen affect haemoglobin?
Takes up oxygen more easily, but release it less easily
What is the oxygen dissociation curve?
The relationship between the saturation of haemoglobin with oxygen and the partial pressure of oxygen
What is positive cooperativity?
After the first oxygen molecule has bound it induces the next subunit to bind to an oxygen molecule
Why is it harder for the fourth oxygen molecule to bind?
Probability- the majority of binding sites are occupied so it is harder for an oxygen molecule to find an empty site
What does it mean if the line on the dissociation curve is further to the left?
The greater the affinity of haemoglobin for oxygen
What is the Bohr effect?
The greater the concentration of carbon dioxide, the more readily the haemoglobin releases its oxygen
What are the features of a transport system?
A suitable medium, a form of mass transport, a closed system of tubular vessels, a mechanism for moving the transport medium
What is the name of the vessel that supplies oxygenated blood to the kidneys?
Renal artery
What is the name of the vessel that removes deoxygenated blood from the kidneys?
Renal vein
Where is the heart?
In the thoracic cavity behind the sternum
What’s the structure of the atria?
Thin-walled and elastic and stretches as it collects blood
What’s the structure of the ventricles?
Much thicker muscular wall as it has to contract strongly to pump blood some distance
What are the two atrioventricular valves?
Tricuspid (right) and bicuspid (left)
What do coronary arteries do?
Supply the heart muscle with oxygen
What is a myocardial infarction?
Blockage of the coronary artery (for example a blood clot)