StudyXY
RegisterLog in
Back to AI Flashcard MakerBiology /Biology IB HL - D6 Gas Transport Part 2

Biology IB HL - D6 Gas Transport Part 2

Biology19 CardsCreated 19 days ago

This deck covers key concepts related to gas transport in the human body, focusing on fetal hemoglobin, myoglobin, and carbon dioxide transport mechanisms.

PrintEmbedImportReport

Why is the different affinity in foetal Hb important?

This is important as it means fetal haemoglobin will load oxygen when adult haemoglobin is unloading it (i.e. in the placenta)
Tap or swipe ↕ to flip
Swipe ←→Navigate
1/19

Key Terms

Term
Definition
Why is the different affinity in foetal Hb important?
This is important as it means fetal haemoglobin will load oxygen when adult haemoglobin is unloading it (i.e. in the placenta)
When is foetal Hb almost entirely replaced by adult Hb?
Following birth, fetal haemoglobin is almost completely replaced by adult haemoglobin (~ 6 months post-natally)
What are the applications of foetal Hb?
Fetal haemoglobin production can be pharmacologically induced in adults to treat diseases such as sickle cell anaemia
What is myoglobin?
Myoglobin is an oxygen-binding molecule that is found in skeletal muscle tissue
What is the structure of myoglobin and how does this make it differ from Hb?
It is made of a single polypeptide with only one heme group and hence is not capable of cooperative binding
What is the shape for the oxygen dissociation curve of myoglobin?
Consequently, the oxygen dissociation curve for myoglobin is not sigmoidal (it is logarithmic)
Log in to view all terms

Related Flashcard Decks

Biology

A-LEVEL PE (OCR): PAPER 3 - Ethics and Deviance in Sport

These flashcards describe key performance-enhancing methods, including blood doping—a technique used to increase red blood cell count and oxygen-carrying capacity, commonly by endurance athletes—and anabolic steroids, which boost strength, aggression, and training capacity. They highlight how these methods aim to enhance performance, often through artificial physiological manipulation.

21 cards
View Deck
Biology

A-LEVEL PE (OCR): PAPER 1 - Energy for Exercise

These flashcards cover fundamental concepts of cellular energy, including ATP as the primary energy source for muscular contraction, the role of the enzyme ATPase in ATP breakdown, and the definition of exothermic reactions that release energy. They provide a concise overview of how energy is produced and utilized in biological systems.

47 cards
View Deck
Biology

3MB Psychiatry: Neurobiology of Mood

This flashcard set explains the brain’s appetitive (approach) and aversive (defensive) mood systems, describing how they drive behaviour toward reward or avoidance of threat, and identifies the key neurotransmitters associated with each—dopamine for approach and serotonin for avoidance.

8 cards
View Deck
Biology

Psychology - Chapter 3 Biological Psychology Part 3

This deck covers key concepts from Chapter 3 of Biological Psychology, focusing on brain structures and their functions, including the occipital lobe, limbic system, brain stem, and nervous systems.

23 cards
View Deck
Biology

Psychology - Chapter 3 Biological Psychology Part 2

This flashcard deck covers key concepts from Chapter 3 of Biological Psychology, focusing on neurotransmitters, brain structures, and their functions.

25 cards
View Deck
Biology

Animal Behaviour - Applied Cat Ethology

In applied cat ethology, behavioural genetics are primarily inherited through the paternal line. This means certain behavioural traits, such as temperament or sociability, can be strongly influenced by the genetics of the sire (father).

56 cards
View Deck

Study Tips

  • Press F to enter focus mode for distraction-free studying
  • Review cards regularly to improve retention
  • Try to recall the answer before flipping the card
  • Share this deck with friends to study together
Biology IB HL - D6 Gas Transport Part 2
TermDefinition
Why is the different affinity in foetal Hb important?
This is important as it means fetal haemoglobin will load oxygen when adult haemoglobin is unloading it (i.e. in the placenta)
When is foetal Hb almost entirely replaced by adult Hb?
Following birth, fetal haemoglobin is almost completely replaced by adult haemoglobin (~ 6 months post-natally)
What are the applications of foetal Hb?
Fetal haemoglobin production can be pharmacologically induced in adults to treat diseases such as sickle cell anaemia
What is myoglobin?
Myoglobin is an oxygen-binding molecule that is found in skeletal muscle tissue
What is the structure of myoglobin and how does this make it differ from Hb?
It is made of a single polypeptide with only one heme group and hence is not capable of cooperative binding
What is the shape for the oxygen dissociation curve of myoglobin?
Consequently, the oxygen dissociation curve for myoglobin is not sigmoidal (it is logarithmic)
How does the affinity of myoglobin Hb differ from adult Hb?
Myoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen than adult haemoglobin and becomes saturated at lower oxygen levels
Why is myoglobins high affinity important?
Myoglobin will hold onto its oxygen supply until levels in the muscles are very low (e.g. during intense physical activity)
Why is the delayed release of oxygen by myoglobin important?
The delayed release of oxygen helps to slow the onset of anaerobic respiration and lactic acid formation during exercise
What are the 3 ways for CO2 to be transported?
Some is bound to haemoglobin to form HbCO2 A very small fraction gets dissolved in water and is carried in solution (~5% – carbon dioxide dissolves poorly in water) The majority (~75%) diffuses into the erythrocyte and gets converted into carbonic acid
How does CO2 combine with Hb but not compete with O2 binding?
Carbon dioxide binds to the globin and so doesn’t compete with O2 binding
TRANSPORT AS CARBONIC ACID | 1. What does CO2 combine with when it enters the erythrocyte? What catalyses the reaction?
When CO2 enters the erythrocyte, it combines with water to form carbonic acid (reaction catalysed by carbonic anhydrase)
TRANSPORT AS CARBONIC ACID | 2. What happens to the carbonic acid?
The carbonic acid (H2CO3) then dissociates to form hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate (HCO3–)
TRANSPORT AS CARBONIC ACID | 3. What happens to the bicarbonate ions? What is the purpose?
Bicarbonate is pumped out of the cell in exchange with chloride ions (exchange ensures the erythrocyte remains uncharged)
TRANSPORT AS CARBONIC ACID | 4. What does the bicarbonate in the blood plasma combine with?
The bicarbonate in the blood plasma combines with sodium to form sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), which travels to the lungs
TRANSPORT AS CARBONIC ACID | 5. what is the role of the H+ ions in the erythrocyte?
The hydrogen ions within the erythrocyte make the environment less alkaline, causing haemoglobin to release its oxygen
TRANSPORT AS CARBONIC ACID | 6. What acts as a buffer in the Hb?
The haemoglobin absorbs the H+ ions and acts as a buffer to maintain the intracellular pH
TRANSPORT AS CARBONIC ACID | 7. What happens when the RBC reaches the lungs?
When the red blood cell reaches the lungs, bicarbonate is pumped back into the cell and the entire process is reversed
What can be formed (2) when carbonic acid loses protons?
Carbonic acid may then lose protons (H+) to form bicarbonate (HCO3–) or carbonate (CO32–)