Hemoglobin (abbreviated Hb) is a protein that is responsible for the transport o

Question

Hemoglobin (abbreviated Hb) is a protein that is responsible for the transport of oxygen in the Mood of mammals. Each hemoglobin molecule contains four iron atom that serve as the binding sites for O_2 molecules. The oxygen binding is pH dependent. The relevant equilibrium reaction is: Use Le Chatelier's Principle to answer the following: What form of hemoglobin. is favored in the lungs? What form is favored in the cells. When a person has suffered a cardiac arrest, an injection of a sodium bicarbonate solution is given. Why is this step necessary?

Explanation / Answer

a) Given reaction:- HbH44+(aq) + 4 O2 (g) = Hb(O2)4 + 4H+ (aq) ,

In lungs, partial pressure ofoxygen will be very high. So according to Le Chatelier Principle the above reaction goes forwaed in direction. So in lung Hb(O2)4 is more favoured. Whereas opposite is true for cell where there will be need of oxygen due to its deficiency. so reaction moves backward in direction and HbH4 4+(aq) form is favoured.

b) When person has suffered a cardiac arrest,the heart stops and the lack of oxygenated blood can cause brain damage in only a few minutes. An injection of sodium bicarbonate consumed H+ in the medium asshown bellow and moves above reaction backward according to Le Chatelier Principle, which inturn produces more oxygen. Therefore person can survive from cardiac arrest by injection of sodium bicarbonate.

HCO3- + H+ = CO2 + H2O

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