Transport Proteins - Biochemistry

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Question

How does an increase in carbon dioxide affect oxygen transport in hemoglobin?

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Answer

A high carbon dioxide concentration will decrease the pH and produce the Bohr effect. These conditions will cause a slight conformational change in hemoglobin that results in a lower oxygen binding affinity. However, since the partial pressure of oxygen in the lungs in so high, most of the available oxygen will be loaded on to the hemoglobin anyway. Since the oxygen affinity is lowered, the hemoglobin will release the oxygen more freely, resulting in a greater oxygen to load in tissue. Functioning hemoglobin always has four cooperative subunits.

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