Respiratory Physiology

Question 1

What is meant by the haldane effect?

Answer 1

The ability of haemaglobin to carry increased amount of carbon dioxide in the deoxygenated state as opposed to the oxygenated state.
As p02 increases then C02 binds less well to haemaglobin
So, oxygenation of blood in the lungs displaces carbon dioxide from haemoglobin which then increased the removal of carbon dioxide.

Question 2

What is the bohr effect?

Answer 2

The oxygen binding affinity of haemaglobin in inversely related to the acidity of the blood and the concentration of carbon dioxide. This increases the efficiency of oxygen transportation through the blood as it allows haemaglobin to bind to oxygen in the lungs (strong affinity) and the facilitates the release of oxygen at the tissues - where there is higher C02 concentration.