B7.1&2 - Oxyhaemoglobin Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is haemoglobin
A protein with a quaternary structure that binds to and transports oxygen
What is the role of Red Blood Cells
Contain haemoglobin which helps to transfer oxygen throughout the body
What does loading mean
Oxygen binding to haemoglobin (in the lungs)
What does transport mean
Oxyhaemoglobin being carried in the blood
What does unloading mean
Oxygen is released into respiring tissues
What does the oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve show
The relationship between the partial pressure of O2 & the % saturation of oxyhaemoglobin
What shape is the curve of the oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve
Sigmoid
Why is the oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve a sigmoid shape
Due to positive cooperativity. When one oxygen molecule binds it makes it easier for other ones to bind.
What is positive cooperativity
When an oxygen molecule binds, it changes the quartnernary structure which uncovers iron ions, increasing affinity
What is the Bohr effect
High CO2 levels decreases the affinity for oxygen & vice versa
What does high oxygen affinity mean
Oxygen binds easily but is released less readily
What does low oxygen affinity mean
Oxygen binds less readily but is more easily released
