In: Biology
Why do organisms have hemoglobin & how is the Antarctic fish is able to survive without it?
Haemoglobin is present in almost all type of vertebrates. Haemoglobin is a special type of protein present on the surface of red blood cells. The haem part is made up of iron ions and globin part is a protein that carries oxygen molecules and provides it to all type of tissue in body. Hence haemoglobin is an important protein for oxygen transportation in all the vertebrates.
However in antarctic fish or cold fish haemoglobin is not present. The fish do not contain red blood cells and still it can be survive. Scientist described different mechanism for it’s survival. Too low temperature in antarctic oceans is an important factor for this special kind of adaptation. Low metabolic activity and higher oxygen concentration in water reduces the need of Hb in cold fishes. It absorbs oxygen through their gills and extra thin skin. As we all know only 10% free oxygen is present in water. Hence their heart beats after for utilisation of more oxygen. Blood is thicker than water due to the presence of different type of protein in blood. In cold water blood become more viscus than water which slow downs the activity of heart. Hence instead of blood reach in proteins (like haemoglobin), it absorbs direct oxygen from water. Some other adaption will also helps them to survive. Ice fishes are less active and eats less food which results in slower metabolism and little oxygens.