Chapter 29, Problem 29.44AP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

It should be determined that how does the degree of saturation of hemoglobin vary with the partial pressure of $O_2$ in the tissues.

Concept introduction:

Hemoglobin is the bio-chemical part which imparts red color to the blood, which helps to carry out oxygen and other gases assisting the respiratory system.

Hemoglobin can bind four oxygen molecules; one at each of its four heme groups, cooperatively as first $O_2$ bind at one heme increases the oxygen affinity of the remaining heme groups in the same hemoglobin molecule.

The degree of saturation of hemoglobin is the percentage of heme units bound to oxygen at a given moment.

The binding of $O_2$ to hemoglobin depends on the $p{O}_2$ in the blood and the bonding strength, or affinity between oxygen and hemoglobin.

Oxygen diffuses out of the arterial ends of tissue capillaries and carbon dioxide out of the tissue because of difference in partial pressure.