Anatomy and Physiology 2 - Hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen (review questions)

What does the term "affinity" mean in the context of hemoglobin and oxygen?

In the context of hemoglobin and oxygen, "affinity" means how strongly hemoglobin wants to bind to or hold onto oxygen.

How does hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen change with temperature?

Hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen decreases when the temperature increases.

What happens to hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen when the pH decreases?

When the pH decreases, hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen also decreases, meaning it releases oxygen more easily.

How does an increase in carbon dioxide concentration affect hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen?

An increase in carbon dioxide concentration decreases hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen, meaning hemoglobin will release oxygen more easily.

Why does hemoglobin have a high affinity for oxygen in the lungs?

Hemoglobin has a high affinity for oxygen in the lungs because the temperature is cooler and there is less carbon dioxide. This helps hemoglobin pick up oxygen effectively.

What factors in the muscles during exercise cause hemoglobin to release oxygen?

During exercise, the muscles produce a lot of heat and carbon dioxide, and the area becomes more acidic (lower pH). These factors cause hemoglobin to release oxygen more easily.

How do temperature and pH levels in the muscles affect hemoglobin's ability to deliver oxygen during exercise?

When you exercise, your muscles get warmer and produce more acid (lower pH). These changes make hemoglobin less attracted to oxygen, so it releases the oxygen more easily. This helps deliver oxygen to where it's needed most during your workout.

Describe the cycle of hemoglobin picking up and delivering oxygen as you go for a jog.

When you go for a jog, hemoglobin in your blood picks up oxygen in the lungs, where it's cool and there's not much carbon dioxide. As it travels through your body to your leg muscles, which are working hard and producing heat and carbon dioxide, hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen decreases. This means it releases oxygen in the muscles where it's needed the most. The empty hemoglobin then goes back to the lungs to pick up more oxygen, and the cycle repeats.

Why is it beneficial for hemoglobin to have a low affinity for oxygen in areas with high carbon dioxide concentration?

It is beneficial for hemoglobin to have a low affinity for oxygen in areas with high carbon dioxide concentration because it allows hemoglobin to release oxygen where it is needed the most, such as in actively working muscles during exercise. This helps ensure that the oxygen gets to the cells that need it to produce energy.

How does the body's need for oxygen during exercise influence hemoglobin's behavior?

During exercise, your body needs more oxygen to produce energy. To meet this need, hemoglobin changes its behavior: it becomes less attracted to oxygen in areas where your muscles are working hard, producing heat and carbon dioxide. This makes hemoglobin release oxygen more easily, delivering it to the muscles that need it the most.