Gaseous exchange, partial pressure

Question 1

What does it mean when haemoglobin is saturated or associated?

Answer 1

The haemoglobin is fully bounded or loaded with oxygen

Question 2

What is oxygen unloading from haemoglobin called?

Answer 2

Dissociation

Question 3

Why does an increase in blood temperature favour oxygen dissociation?

Answer 3

Reduces haemoglobin affinity for oxygen so more oxygen is delivered to warmed-up tissue

Question 4

Why does a decrease in blood pH favour oxygen dissociation?

Answer 4

Reduces haemoglobin affinity for oxygen and more oxygen is delivered to acidic sites which are working harder

Question 5

Why does an increase in carbon dioxide concentration favour oxygen dissociation?

Answer 5

Reduces haemoglobin affinity for oxygen so the harder the tissue is working, the more oxygen is dissociated

Question 6

What effect does moving the curve to the right have on the saturation of haemoglobin?

Answer 6

A curve further to the right represents an accelerated dissociation of oxy-haemoglobin = more 02 unloading from haemoglobin to muscle tissue.

Question 7

What are the benefits of the oxy-haemoglobin dissociation curve shifting to the right for an athlete?

Answer 7

More 02 unloading into muscle tissue