2.3 Adaptions for exchange haemoglobin Flashcards
(14 cards)
Why does the disc shape of red blood cells make it efficient for exchange?
It minimises the diffusion pathway for oxygen.
Why do red blood cells have a thinner central section?
Allows the red blood cells the flexibility to squeeze through capillaries.
Why do red blood cells have no organelles or nucleus?
Gives more space to maximise the number of haemoglobin molecules.
Why do red blood cells not have any mitochondria?
That oxygen is not used up in aerobic respiration while the oxygen is transported.
What structure protein is haemoglobin?
A quaternary structure protein consisting of four polypeptide chains, two α chains and two β chains.
What is haemoglobin called when it’s attached to oxygen?
Oxyhaemoglobin.
What does the prosthetic group contain?
An iron ion.
When blood enters the lung capillaries, it has low what and high what?
Low oxygen and high carbon dioxide.
What is it called when oxygen diffuses into the RBC and binds to the haemoglobin?
Loading or association.
Where does haemoglobin unload oxygen?
In body tissues.
What is it called when haemoglobin unloads oxygen?
Dissociation.
The amount of loading and unloading is dependant on what?
The partial pressure of oxygen surrounding the capillaries.
Why does loading of oxygen happen in the lungs?
The capillaries are in close contact with air that is high in oxygen.
How much oxygen will be unloaded in tissues with a high aerobic rate?
Larger amount.
