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.