The Haemoglobin Dissociation Curve (PK6)

Question 1

How many Fe2+ binding sites are on a haemoglobin molecule, and what type of binding does O2 use to bind to each?

Answer 1

• 4
• Co-operative binding

Question 2

What is meant by co-operative binding between O2 and haemoglobin?

Answer 2

(Un)binding of O2 molecules makes (un)binding of subsequent O2 molecules easier

Question 3

What is HbO2 capacity per litre of blood

Answer 3

197ml L-1

Question 4

What is oxygen content?

Answer 4

Quantity of oxygen in a given amount of blood (amount dissolved + amount in haemoglobin)

Question 5

What is oxygen capacity?

Answer 5

Maximum quantity of O2 that can combine with haemoglobin in a sample of blood (content - dissolved)

Question 6

Equation for oxygen capacity

Answer 6

Oxygen capacity = [Hb] x 1.34

Question 7

What is Hb saturation?

Answer 7

Ratio of quantity of O2 combined with Hb in a given sample to the O2 capacity of that sample (expressed as %)