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 blood of mammals. Each hemoglobin molecule contains four iron atoms that serve as the binding sites for O2 molecules. The oxygen binding is pH dependent. The relevant equilibrium reaction is: HbH^4+_4 (aq) + 4O_2(g) Hb(O_2)_4(aq) + 4H+(aq). Use Le Chatelier's Principle to answer the following: What form of hemoglobin, HbH^4+_4 or Hb(O_2)_4, 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

bH44+ (aq) + 4O2(g) --- Hb(O2)4 (aq) +4H+

Lungs are rich source of oxygen, the equilibrium shifts to the right ( as per lechatlier priinciple) leading to formation of more Hb(O2)4

lactic acid is formed during inadequate oxygenratioon such as cardiac arrest. sodium bicarbonate reacts with lactic acid and gets converted to carbonic acid and fianlly to carbondioxixe and get expelled throug lungs.

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