Oxygen Transport in Blood

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the alveolus?

To interface with blood vessels for gas exchange

How does oxygen enter the red blood cell?

Through diffusion

What is the function of hemoglobin proteins in the red blood cell?

To transport oxygen to the body's tissues

How many oxygen molecules can bind to each hemoglobin protein?

Four Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process by which subsequent oxygen molecules bind more easily to hemoglobin?

Cooperativity Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the shape of hemoglobin when oxygen binds?

It changes conformation Signup and view all the answers

What is an analogy that can be used to explain cooperativity?

Sitting with friends at a dinner party Signup and view all the answers

What is the location where oxygen is transferred from the alveolus to the blood vessel?

In the alveolus Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the bicarbonate in the cell?

It makes its way outside the cell Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a proton binding to hemoglobin?

Oxygen is released from hemoglobin Signup and view all the answers

Why does oxygen get delivered to the tissues?

Because protons and carbon dioxide compete with oxygen for binding to hemoglobin Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for hemoglobin when it binds with oxygen?

Oxyhemoglobin Signup and view all the answers

What happens when carbon dioxide binds to hemoglobin?

It releases a proton Signup and view all the answers

What is the majority of oxygen transported in the blood through?

Hemoglobin binding Signup and view all the answers

What form does carbon dioxide take when it is transported from the thigh to the lung?

A combination of dissolved in the plasma, bound to hemoglobin as carbaminohemoglobin, and as bicarbonate Signup and view all the answers

What is produced by the tissue cell during cellular respiration?

CO2 Signup and view all the answers

What is the condition in the thigh that causes oxygen molecules to fall off hemoglobin?

Low partial pressure of O2 Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for hemoglobin bound to carbon dioxide?

Carbaminohemoglobin Signup and view all the answers

What is the enzyme that combines CO2 and water to form carbonic acid?

Carbonic anhydrase Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the one-to-one ratio of protons bound to hemoglobin and bicarbonate in the plasma?

It allows for the efficient transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the oxygen in the blood when it reaches the lung?

It is released from hemoglobin and exhaled Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the dynamic process of oxygen binding and falling off hemoglobin?

Dynamic equilibrium Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the reaction between CO2 and water facilitated by carbonic anhydrase?

HCO3- and a proton Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the blood leaving the thigh and the blood in the lung?

The blood in the thigh has less oxygen and more carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

Why does oxygen delivery occur in the thigh?

Low partial pressure of O2 Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of carbon dioxide competing with oxygen for binding to hemoglobin?

Less oxygen is delivered to the tissues Signup and view all the answers

What is the other reason for oxygen delivery besides low partial pressure of O2?

CO2 itself Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for oxygen dissolved in plasma?

Dissolved oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What happens when oxygen enters the cell in the lung?

It competes with protons for hemoglobin Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for CO2 delivery back to the lungs?

The lungs have a low CO2 content Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of oxygen competing with protons and CO2 for hemoglobin?

CO2 is released from the hemoglobin Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of bicarbonate in the blood?

It helps to transport CO2 to the lungs Signup and view all the answers

What is the net result of the reaction when oxygen binds to hemoglobin?

CO2 is released from the hemoglobin Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary way that CO2 is transported back to the lungs?

Through the competition of oxygen with protons and CO2 for hemoglobin Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the reversible reaction involving H2CO3?

CO2 is formed from H2CO3 Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of carbonic anhydrase in the reaction?

It helps to break down H2CO3 Signup and view all the answers

What is the direction of the diffusion gradient in the lung?

From the blood to the alveolus Signup and view all the answers

What is the net result of the entire process of CO2 delivery back to the lungs?

CO2 diffuses into the alveolus Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Oxygen Transportation

Oxygen diffuses from the alveolus into the blood vessel and then into a red blood cell through diffusion.
Oxygen binds to hemoglobin (Hb) in the red blood cell, with each hemoglobin protein having four parts that can bind an oxygen.
Cooperativity occurs, where each oxygen binding to hemoglobin makes it easier for subsequent oxygens to bind, changing the conformation or shape of hemoglobin.
There are two major ways oxygen is transported in the blood: hemoglobin binding oxygen (HbO2) and some oxygen being dissolved in plasma (O2).

Oxygen Delivery

Oxygen is delivered to the tissues due to the low partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) in the tissues, causing oxygen to fall off the hemoglobin.
Another reason for oxygen delivery is the binding of protons and carbon dioxide (CO2) with hemoglobin, competing with oxygen for binding sites.
CO2 is produced by cellular respiration and diffuses into the red blood cell, where it combines with water to form carbonic acid (H2CO3) with the help of carbonic anhydrase.
The bicarbonate (HCO3-) formed from carbonic acid diffuses out of the cell, while the proton (H+) binds to hemoglobin, booting off oxygen.

Carbon Dioxide Transportation

Carbon dioxide is transported back to the lungs through three different ways:
- CO2 dissolved in plasma
- CO2 bound to hemoglobin as carbaminohemoglobin
- Bicarbonate (HCO3-) in plasma, which combines with protons to form CO2
In the lungs, oxygen competes with protons and CO2 for hemoglobin binding sites, causing CO2 to be released.
The low CO2 content in the lungs allows CO2 to diffuse into the alveolus.
The most important mechanism for CO2 transportation is the binding of protons to hemoglobin, which leads to the formation of CO2 from bicarbonate in the plasma.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Learn about the two major ways oxygen is transported in the blood, including hemoglobin binding oxygen and its notation as HbO2. Understand how oxygen molecules interact and bind with each other.