Mass Transport in animals

Question 1

Describe the structure of haemoglobin

Answer 1

Quaternary structure

Prosthetic group with Fe2+ group which allows O2 to bind reversibly

Question 2

Equation for the unloading of oxygen

Answer 2

Oxyhaemoglobin –> Oxygen and haemoglobin

Question 3

What happens to the oxygen disassociation curve at a low conc of O2?

Answer 3

Curve shifted to left which means haemoglobin loads more readily at a lower pp of O2

Question 4

What is bohr shift?

Answer 4

Curve shifted to the right
Happens when there is a high rate of respiration
Haemoglobin unloads more readily at a higher pp of O2

Question 5

What is the benefit of bohr shift?

Answer 5

Supplies tissues with more O2 for aerobic respiration

Question 6

What causes bohr shift?

Answer 6

Increased rate of respiration produces lots of CO2
CO2 dissolves in blood plasma forming weak acid
Tertiary structure of haemoglobin altered
Therefore association between haemoglobin and oxygen is weaker

Question 7

What is the equation for cardiac output?

Answer 7

Cardiac output = stroke volume / Heart rate

Question 8

Why would scientists chose to look at percentage change?

Answer 8

Allows a comparison

As heart rates are different

Question 9

What is the purpose of the coronary arteries?

Answer 9

1. Carries oxygen

2. To heart muscle

Question 10

The rise and fall in blood pressure in the aorta is greater than in the small
arteries.Suggest why

Answer 10

1. is directly linked to the heart
2. Has elastic tissue;
3. Aorta has stretch / recoil.

Question 11

Why can a rise in conc of salts in arteries lead to a greater amount of tissue fluid forming?

Answer 11

WP of tissue fluid lowered
Water diffuses down water conc gradient into capillary
Increase in hydrostatic pressure so more tissue fluid is pushed out