Haemoglobin

Question 1

Affinity

Answer 1

The strength of the attraction between two substances

Question 2

High pO2

Answer 2

Haemoglobin has a high affinity for oxygen and binds with it (e.g. in the lungs)

Question 3

Low pO2

Answer 3

Haemoglobin has a low affinity for oxygen and releases it (e.g. at respiring body cells)

Question 4

The cooperative nature of oxygen binding means that;

Answer 4

• When haemoglobin binds with one oxygen, it changes shape so it becomes easier to bind another oxygen.
• When haemoglobin is mostly saturated with oxygen, it is harder for more oxygen to bind

Question 5

Fetal Haemoglobin Difference 1

Answer 5

The fetus needs to obtain oxygen from the mother’s blood

Question 6

Fetal Haemoglobin Difference 2

Answer 6

The fetal haemoglobin therefore has a higher oxygen affinity than the adult haemoglobin found in the mother’s blood

Question 7

The Bohr Effect

Answer 7

Increased partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) in the blood decreases the affinity of haemoglobin for oxygen, causing it to release more oxygen into the tissues

Question 8

Ways CO2 is transported in the blood 1

Answer 8

Dissolved in plasma

Question 9

Ways CO2 is transported in the blood 2

Answer 9

Transported bound to haemoglobin as carbaminohaemoglobin

Question 10

Ways CO2 is transported in the blood 3

Answer 10

Forms hydrogen carbonate ions