Transport of O2 in the blood

Question 1

What happens to % saturation of haemoglobin when O2 concentration falls?

Answer 1

If concentration of blood O2 falls, percentage saturation of haemoglobin remains high

Question 2

What happens to rate of oxygen release from Hb when temperatures are high?

Answer 2

Increases

Question 3

What happens to rate of oxygen release from Hb in acidic conditions?

Answer 3

Increases (e.g. after exercise)

Question 4

What effect does BPG have on binding and release of O2 from Hb?

Answer 4

Increased BPG means increased release

Question 5

What happens to BPD as blood ages?

Answer 5

Production decreases, so oxygen won’t release from Hb

Determines blood bank lifespan

Question 6

What are the three ways CO2 is transported in the blood?

Answer 6

Dissolved in plasma (7%)
Combined with haemoglobin (23%)
Bicarbonate ions (70%)