transport of blood gases

Question 1

how is oxygen transported in the blood

Answer 1

combined with haemoglobin in the red blood cells (97%)
dissolved in the blood plasma (3%)

Question 2

what is the role of haemoglobin

Answer 2

haemoglobin molecules can transport up to four O2s.
when 4 O2s are bound to haemoglobin, it is 100% saturated.
with fewer O2s it is partially saturated.
when oxygen binds with haemoglobin, it forms oxyhaemoglobin.
when oxygen isnt bound to haemoglobin, it is referred to as deoxyhaemoglobin

Question 3

what is partial pressure

Answer 3

is the pressure that would be exerted by one of the gases in a mixture if it occupied the same volume on its own.

Question 4

where in the body is PO2 (partial pressure) low and where is it high

Answer 4

it is low in the muscles - 40mmHg
it is high in the alveoli - 100mmHg

Question 5

describe association and dissassociation

Answer 5

when the haemoglobin releases the oxygen it is said to disssociate with oxygen. the binding of the O2 to haemoglobin depends on the PO2 in the blood and the bonding strength, or affinity, between haemoglobin and oxygen.

Question 6

what affects haemoglobin saturation

Answer 6

decrease in blood pH
increase in blood temperature
increase in partial pressure of carbon dioxide concentration
these conditions decrease haemoglobins affinity for oxygen and releases more oxygen to the active muscle cells