When CO2 concentration in blood increases, breathing becomesa)shallowe...
Factors affecting the binding of carbon dioxide with haemoglobin
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a waste product of cellular respiration and is transported in the blood to the lungs for exhalation. The majority of CO2 is transported in the form of bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) in the plasma, but a small fraction directly binds to haemoglobin (Hb) in red blood cells. The binding of CO2 with Hb is influenced by various factors, including the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2).
Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2)
- The pCO2 is a measure of the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood. It is the most important factor affecting the binding of CO2 with Hb.
- When the pCO2 is high, such as in tissues during cellular respiration, CO2 diffuses into red blood cells and binds to Hb, forming carbaminohemoglobin (HbCO2).
- The binding of CO2 to Hb occurs through a reversible reaction in which CO2 combines with the amino groups of the globin chains of Hb.
- The presence of CO2 in the blood helps in the release of oxygen (O2) from Hb, a phenomenon known as the Bohr effect.
- When the pCO2 is low, such as in the lungs, CO2 dissociates from Hb and is exhaled.
Other factors affecting the binding of CO2 with Hb
- While the pCO2 is the primary factor affecting the binding of CO2 with Hb, other factors can also have an impact:
- Partial pressure of oxygen (pO2): The binding of O2 and CO2 to Hb are inversely related. When pO2 is high, such as in the lungs, O2 binds to Hb, promoting the release of CO2. Conversely, when pO2 is low, such as in tissues, CO2 binds to Hb.
- Hydrogen ion concentration (pH): An increase in hydrogen ions (acidic conditions) decreases the affinity of Hb for O2, promoting the binding of CO2. This phenomenon is known as the Bohr effect.
- Temperature: An increase in temperature decreases the affinity of Hb for O2, favoring the binding of CO2. This effect is particularly important during exercise when body temperature rises.
- 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (2,3-BPG): This molecule, present in red blood cells, binds to Hb and decreases its affinity for O2. As a result, more O2 is released from Hb, allowing for the binding of CO2.
In summary, the primary factor affecting the binding of CO2 with Hb is the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2). When pCO2 is high, CO2 binds to Hb, promoting the release of O2. Other factors such as pO2, pH, temperature, and 2,3-BPG also influence the binding of CO2 with Hb.
When CO2 concentration in blood increases, breathing becomesa)shallowe...
When CO2 concentration in blood increases, breathing becomes faster and deeper. The effect of rising CO2 concentration is due to decrease in affinity of Hb for O2. Thus, the CO2 released in the tissues accelrates the delivery of CO2 (called Bohr effect). due to which breathing becomes faster and deeper.