Describe the role of haemoglobin in transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body?

              Transport of Oxygen

  • Oxygen binds with haemoglobin to form oxyhaemoglobin.

  • 1 molecule of haemoglobin carries 4 molecules of oxygen.

  • Formation of oxyhaemoglobin depends upon − pO2, pCO2, pH, temperature

  • In alveoli − pO2 (high), pCO2 (low), pH (high) temperature (low)
    Hence, oxyhaemoglobin forms.

  • In tissues − pO2 (low), pCO2 (high), pH (low) temperature (high)
    Hence, oxyhaemoglobin dissociates.

    Transport of Carbon Dioxide

  • CO2 is carried as carbamino-haemoglobin by blood.

  • When pCO2 (high), pO2 (low) − binding of CO2 occurs (as in tissues)

  • When pCO2 (low), pO2 (high) − dissociation of CO2 occurs (as in alveoli)

  • CO2 is bound with haemoglobin in tissue and dissociates in alveoli where it is released.

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Dear Tuba,
In the case of oxygen transport, the iron part of haemoglobin binds with oxygen to form oxyhaemoglobindue to favourable factors.
In the case of CO2, the amine radical of haemoglobin binds with carbondioxideto form carbamino haemoglobin and hence helps in its transport.
Regards Aisha.
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