Q1. Define and describe an O2 dissociation curve. What are the effects of high temperature and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration on this curve?
- O2 dissociation curve plots hemoglobin saturation (%) vs. partial pressure of oxygen (PO2).
- It has a sigmoid shape due to cooperative oxygen binding by hemoglobin.
- A rightward shift indicates decreased hemoglobin affinity for oxygen.
- High temperature shifts the curve right, enhancing O2 release to active tissues.
Answer: The oxygen (O2) dissociation curve is a graphical representation that plots the percentage of hemoglobin (Hb) saturation with oxygen against the partial pressure of oxygen (PO2). It illustrates the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen under varying PO2 conditions in the blood. This curve typically exhibits a characteristic S-shape, or sigmoid curve, reflecting the cooperative binding of oxygen to the four heme groups of hemoglobin. The sigmoid shape is crucial for efficient oxygen transport. The f...