Question

Using diagrams of Hemoglobin saturation graphs, describe how at least 5 different physical, chemical, and developmental factors influence where in the body Hemoglobin binds or releases O2.

Answer 1

The strength of oxygen binds to haemoglobin is affected by several factors.These factors affect the shape of curve.

1. Temperature - with increase in temperature, oxygen saturation decreases due to weakening of haemoglobin oxygen bond.

2. Carbon monoxide- Haemoglobin have greater affinity to carbon monoxide than oxygen. So increase in carbon monoxide cause less oxygen saturation.

3. Carbon dioxide - It affects the curve in 2 ways. Increased amount of carbon dioxide cause carbonic compounds formation , it leads to decreased oxygen saturation.

4. Blood pH level - Decreased pH causes lower O2 affinity and increased pH causes increased O2 affinity

5. Biphosphoglycerate - High levels of BPG cause lower O2 affinity.