In: Anatomy and Physiology
6. Describe how increases and decreases in each of the following shift the binding affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen: pH, temperature, and CO2 partial pressure (include right vs. left shift in your response).
The oxygen carrying capacity in the body depends up on hemoglobin affinity with the oxygen. On oxygenation and de-oxygenation the hemoglobin undergoes confirmational change which facilitates binding of oxygen.
P50 is the partial pressure of oxygen which is required to saturate 50% of hemoglobin.
This physiological factors influence the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen.These include
1.PH - the decreasing in PH leads to acidosis this shifts the curve to right.
The increasing in PH leads to alkalosis. This shifts the curve to left. Left shift is sign of hemoglobin increased affinity for oxygen.
2. Temperature - The temperature also plays a significant role in hemoglobin affinity for oxygen.
a. Hyperthermia - If the temperature is increased. This shifts the curve to right.
b. Hypothermia - if the temperature is decreased. This shifts the curve to left.
3. Partial pressure of CO2 - increasing in conc of CO2 shifts the curve to right.Ex. Hypercapnia- increase in CO2 in the body.
decrease in CO2 shifts the curve to left. Ex Hyperventilation and Hypocania shifts the curve to left.