7a. MASS TRANSPORT IN ANIMALS Flashcards
(125 cards)
Define partial pressure
The measure of a concentration of a gas
Describe the structure of haemoglobin
A globular quaternary protein. It contains four subunits, each containing a haem binding site.
How many molecules of oxygen can a fully saturated haemoglobin carry?
4 molecule, 8 atoms.
Define oxygen loading/association
The binding of oxygen to haemoglobin
Where does oxygen association occur?
At tissues where there is a high partial pressure of oxygen
Where does oxygen association occur in humans?
The lungs
Define unloading/dissociation
The detaching of oxygen from haemoglobin
Where does oxygen dissociation occur?
At tissues where there is a low partial pressure of oxygen
Where does oxygen dissociation occur in humans?
Respiring tissues
Name the complex that is formed when oxygen associates to haemoglobin
Oxyhaemoglobin
What shape is the oxygen dissociation curve?
S (sigmoid) shaped
Recall the equation to calculate the % saturation of haemoglobin with oxygen
% saturation = (oxygenated haemoglobin / maximum saturation) x 100
State the normal maximum saturation of haemoglobin at atmospheric pressures
97%
Define affinity
The tendancy a haemoglobin has to bind with oxygen
Where is haemoglobin’s affinity for oxygen highest?
Where there is a high partial pressure of oxygen
Where is haemoglobin’s affinity of oxygen lowest?
Where there is a high partial pressure of carbon dioxide (and a low partial pressure of oxygen)
Why does the binding of the first oxygen molecule to haemoglobin make it easier for the second oxygen to bind?
Because the binding of the first oxygen molecule changes the tertiary structure of haemoglobin. This uncovers another haem binding site.
How does increasing carbon dioxide concentration in solution affect the pH of the solution?
It decreases it (makes it more acidic)
Write the equation to show the reaction between carbon dioxide and water
Carbon Dioxide + Water ↔ Carbonic Acid
Where in the body would pH be lowest, and why?
Respiring tissues, because the concentration of carbon dioxide is highest
Why will blood leaving a muscle have a lower pH than blood entering a muscle?
Increased carbon dioxide concentration in the blood creates more carbonic acid, which releases more H+ ions, which reduces the pH of the blood
Define the Bohr Effect
Haemoglobin’s binding affinity is inversely related both to the concentration of carbon dioxide, and acidity
Will haemoglobin have a lower of higher affinity for oxygen at muscles?
Lower
What will happen to the amount of oxygen dissociating at muscles?
Increased oxygen dissociating at muscles