Question

Fully explain the various factors that affect oxygen dissociation (equilibrium) curves and the functional significance of these effects.

Answer 1

Factors which affect oxygen dissociation are-

1. Concentration of carbon dioxide in tissue- if carbon dioxide concentration is high in tissue, more oxygen will be dissociated from the haemoglobin.

2. Temperature- increase in temperature will increase the dissociation of oxygen from haemoglobin.

3. pH - when pH is reduced, more H+ ions are present. This will increase dissociation. Thus low pH induces dissociation of oxygen from haemoglobin.

4. Concentration of 2,3- DPG- increase in concentration of 2,3- bisphosphoglyceric acid will increase the dissociation of oxygen from haemoglobin.

5. Dissociation of oxygen is also increased when demand of oxygen is more in body like while doing exercise or heavy work.