Transport of Oxygen by Haemoglobin

Question 1

What is an oxygen dissociation curve?

Answer 1

A graph that shows the relationship between saturation of haemoglobin with oxygen and the partial pressure of oxygen.

Question 2

What is the effect of carbon dioxide concentration on the curve?

Answer 2

-The greater the concentration of carbon dioxide, the more readily haemoglobin releases its oxygen
-This happens due to dissolved carbon dioxide lower the pH causing haemoglobin to change shape

Question 3

What are some haemoglobin adaptations in various different organisms?

Answer 3

=Humans
-Haemoglobin becomes saturated as it passes through lungs
-Overall saturation at atm is 97%

=Lugworm
-Not active and oxygen diffuses in from the water
-Tide goes out and burrow has a low oxygen concentration
-Haemoglobin therefore has a mucher higher affinity for oxygen

=Llama
-Lives at high altitudes with lower atmospheric pressure
-Therefore has a higher affinity for oxygen