Crocodiles can use virtually 100% of the oxygen in its blood, whereas humans can extract only about 65% of the oxygen in their blood. Crocodile hemoglobin (Hb) binds HCO3, rather than 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (BPG), when in the T-state. Which of the following best explains why HCO3 in the crocodile works better than 2,3-BPG in humans to help the Hb to release more of its bound oxygen? Crocodile Hb binds more oxygen than human Hb, and so the crocodile has more oxygen available than humans do. The [HCO3] varies with the amount of oxygen used, whereas the [BPG] in human erythrocytes is constant regardless of need. Humans require their hemoglobin to be sensitive to [BPG] in order for HbF (fetal Hb) to have a higher affinity for oxygen than maternal Hb. Since crocodile Hb binds HCO3, the HCO3¯ will not be available to bind to H* (Bohr protons), and so more oxygen will be released to the tissues. Crocodiles are cold-blooded and so do not need as much oxygen as humans; this is why they can stay under water longer to drown their prey.
Crocodiles can use virtually 100% of the oxygen in its blood, whereas humans can extract only about 65% of the oxygen in their blood. Crocodile hemoglobin (Hb) binds HCO3, rather than 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (BPG), when in the T-state. Which of the following best explains why HCO3 in the crocodile works better than 2,3-BPG in humans to help the Hb to release more of its bound oxygen? Crocodile Hb binds more oxygen than human Hb, and so the crocodile has more oxygen available than humans do. The [HCO3] varies with the amount of oxygen used, whereas the [BPG] in human erythrocytes is constant regardless of need. Humans require their hemoglobin to be sensitive to [BPG] in order for HbF (fetal Hb) to have a higher affinity for oxygen than maternal Hb. Since crocodile Hb binds HCO3, the HCO3¯ will not be available to bind to H* (Bohr protons), and so more oxygen will be released to the tissues. Crocodiles are cold-blooded and so do not need as much oxygen as humans; this is why they can stay under water longer to drown their prey.
Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap Course List)
9th Edition
ISBN:9781285866932
Author:Lauralee Sherwood
Publisher:Lauralee Sherwood
Chapter11: The Blood
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1SQE
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