Which of the following factors are favourable for the formation of oxy...
Understanding Oxyhaemoglobin Formation
Oxyhaemoglobin is formed when oxygen binds to haemoglobin in the lungs (alveoli). Several factors influence this process, particularly the partial pressures of oxygen (pO2) and carbon dioxide (pCO2), as well as the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+).
Key Factors Favoring Oxyhaemoglobin Formation
- High pO2:
- In the alveoli, a high pO2 indicates a greater availability of oxygen. This encourages haemoglobin to bind with oxygen more readily.
- Lesser H+ Concentration:
- A lower concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) correlates with higher pH (more alkaline conditions). This environment promotes oxygen binding to haemoglobin.
- The Bohr effect indicates that increased H+ concentration (lower pH) reduces haemoglobin's affinity for oxygen, thus inhibiting oxyhaemoglobin formation.
Contrasting Conditions
- High pCO2:
- Elevated levels of carbon dioxide (pCO2) can lead to increased H+ concentration, which would reduce the affinity of haemoglobin for oxygen.
- Low pCO2 and High Temperature:
- While low pCO2 might favor oxyhaemoglobin formation, high temperatures typically decrease haemoglobin's affinity for oxygen, promoting oxygen release rather than binding.
Conclusion
Based on these factors, the optimal conditions for oxyhaemoglobin formation in the alveoli are characterized by high pO2 and lesser H+ concentration. This combination creates an environment conducive to oxygen binding, facilitating efficient gas exchange essential for respiration. Therefore, option 'B' is the correct answer.
Which of the following factors are favourable for the formation of oxy...
The formation of oxyhemoglobin in the alveoli is primarily influenced by the partial pressure of oxygen ( pO2 ), partial pressure of carbon dioxide ( pCO2), hydrogen ion concentration ( H+ ), and temperature. Understanding these factors will help in selecting the right option that describes the conditions favorable for maximizing the binding of oxygen to hemoglobin in the lungs.
1. Oxygen Partial Pressure ( pO2 ): High pO 2 enhances the formation of oxyhemoglobin. In the alveoli, where gas exchange occurs, the pO2 is relatively high, making it a favorable condition for oxyhemoglobin formation as oxygen molecules bind readily to hemoglobin.
2. Carbon Dioxide Partial Pressure ( pCO2 ): Lower pCO2 is favorable in the alveoli for oxyhemoglobin formation. High pCO2 leads to a lower pH (due to formation of carbonic acid), which can cause the release of O2 from hemoglobin (Bohr effect), reducing hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen.
3. Hydrogen Ion Concentration ( H+): Lesser H+ concentration, or higher pH, increases the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. In alkaline conditions (higher pH), hemoglobin is more likely to bind oxygen, thus forming oxyhemoglobin.
4. Temperature: Temperature also affects oxygen binding. Lower temperatures generally enhance the uptake of oxygen by hemoglobin. However, since the lung environment maintains a stable temperature, significant fluctuations in temperature are less of a consideration in this context compared to pO2 , pCO2 , and H+ concentration. Given these points, Option B - High pO2 and Lesser H+ concentration - best describes the conditions that are favorable for the formation of oxyhemoglobin in the alveoli. High pO2 ensures that more oxygen molecules are available to bind with hemoglobin, and a lower H+ concentration (higher pH) reduces the release of oxygen from hemoglobin, thereby increasing oxygen uptake.
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