Oxygen dissociation curve

Oxygen dissociation curve

The Oxygen dissociation curve is a graph that plots the proportion of hemoglobin in its saturated (oxygen-laden) form on the vertical axis against the prevailing oxygen tension on the horizontal axis. The curve is an important tool for understanding how our blood carries and releases oxygen.

Physiology

Hemoglobin is the main transporter of oxygen in mammals and many other species. Hemoglobin is a complex molecule composed of protein globin and the heme group. The oxygen dissociation curve is sigmoidal, or S-shaped, as a result of cooperative binding of oxygen to hemoglobin.

Factors affecting the curve

Several factors can affect the oxygen dissociation curve, including changes in pH, carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, and 2,3-BPG levels.

Bohr effect

The Bohr effect refers to the shift in the oxygen dissociation curve caused by changes in the concentration of carbon dioxide or pH. An increase in carbon dioxide pressure or a decrease in pH will result in a rightward shift of the curve.

Temperature

Changes in temperature also affect the oxygen dissociation curve. An increase in temperature will result in a rightward shift of the curve.

2,3-Bisphosphoglycerate

2,3-Bisphosphoglycerate (2,3-BPG) is a substance formed in the red blood cells during the breakdown of glucose by glycolysis. It binds to hemoglobin, reducing its affinity for oxygen and promoting oxygen release in tissues.

Clinical significance

The oxygen dissociation curve is an important tool in understanding the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in relation to the partial pressure of oxygen in the blood. This is especially important in the management of patients with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

See also

• Hemoglobin
• Bohr effect
• 2,3-Bisphosphoglycerate

Oxygen dissociation curve Resources
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