Momentum09
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Homework Statement
I was given the oxygen binding curves for human and crocodile hemoglobins, with the crocodile having a higher affinity for oxygen at p50.
My questions are,
1) Crodocile hemoglobin does not bind BPG. Instead, deoxyhemoglobin preferentially binds to HCO3-. How does bicarbonate binding affect the p50 of crocodile hemoglobin binding to oxygen?
2) How does the crocodile deoxyhemoglobin's affinity for HCO3- help it feed?
Homework Equations
1) I know that BPG decreases the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen, so in the absence of BPG (in the case of the crocodile), the oxygen is tightly bound and would not release. What does bicarbonate and deoxyhemoglobin have to do with this process?
The Attempt at a Solution
Can someone please give me hints as to how to approach this problem? If you can explain the concepts to me that would be great!
Thank you so much!