Oxygen delivery!
Binding of one O2 increases Hb's affinity for subsequent O2 molecules through this phenomenon.
What is positive cooperativity?
O2 preferentially binds to this hemoglobin confirmation.
What is the relaxed state?
The first O2 molecule is harder to bind than the fourth because initial O2 binding disrupts interactions stabilizing this Hb conformation.
What is the tense state?
What is the pO2 in the alveolar blood compared to the lungs?
Alveolar
The sequential binding nature of oxygen serves to remedy which physiological problem?
What is: it allows you to deliver oxygen over a very narrow range of partial pressure.
How do Fe3+ and CO affect hemoglobin, and why is this physiologically relevant?
What is it locks the hemoglobin molecules in the tense state (decreasing P50), making them unable to favor release of oxygen at the tissues?
What three things cause an increase in P50? Which ones are short term and long term?
Higher H+ concentration in tissues, short-term
Higher CO2 concentration in tissues, short-term
Higher 2,3-BPG, long term