Question

Explain how the binding of oxygen affects haemoglobin's affinity for oxygen and how this explains the shape of the oxygen dissociation curve.

Accepted Answer

Cooperative binding of oxygen:After the first oxygen molecule binds to Hb, it causes conformational change to Hb - "lag" at the start of the curve New shape causes Hb to have increased affinity for oxygen - steep gradient around middleFourth oxygen molecule is hard to load - plateau at the end bc Hb becomes saturated at high pO2

Front	Explain how the binding of oxygen affects haemoglobin's affinity for oxygen and how this explains the shape of the oxygen dissociation curve.
Back	Cooperative binding of oxygen: After the first oxygen molecule binds to Hb, it causes conformational change to Hb - "lag" at the start of the curve New shape causes Hb to have increased affinity for oxygen - steep gradient around middle Fourth oxygen molecule is hard to load - plateau at the end bc Hb becomes saturated at high pO₂

Oxygen Hb Binding Affinity Shape Molecule Explain Affects