B3.1 HL Transport of Respiratory Gasses [IB Biology HL]

What is hemoglobin and its primary function?

Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen molecules.

How many oxygen molecules can hemoglobin transport?

Hemoglobin can transport four oxygen molecules.

What happens to hemoglobin when an oxygen molecule binds to a heme group?

It causes a conformational change, increasing hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen.

What is the partial pressure in the context of gas exchange?

Partial pressure is the pressure exerted by one gas in a mixture of gases.

What effect does low partial pressure of oxygen have on adult hemoglobin?

Under low partial pressures, hemoglobin has a low affinity for oxygen and will dissociate from oxygen.

How does fetal hemoglobin differ from adult hemoglobin in terms of oxygen affinity?

Fetal hemoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen, allowing it to steal oxygen from mother’s blood.

What is the Bohr shift?

The Bohr shift refers to the phenomenon where increased carbon dioxide levels lower hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen.

What shape is the oxygen dissociation curve for adult hemoglobin?

The curve is sigmoidal in shape.

How does high carbon dioxide concentration affect hemoglobin's behavior?

It shifts the oxygen dissociation curve to the right, indicating a lower affinity for oxygen.

What adaptation does hemoglobin have to effectively supply oxygen to active tissues?

Hemoglobin has a lower affinity for oxygen in high carbon dioxide environments, facilitating oxygen release.