Question Details

Select the favourable conditions required for the formation of oxyhaemoglobin at the alveoli.

Options

A

High pO2 , low pCO2, less H+, lower temperature

B

Low pO2, high pCO2, more H+, higher temperature

C

High pO2, high pCO2, less H+, higher temperature

D

Low pO2, low pCO2, more H+, higher temperature

Correct Answer :

High pO2 , low pCO2, less H+, lower temperature

Solution :

The correct answer is: High pO2, low pCO2, less H+, lower temperature

Step-by-Step Explanation:
Oxyhaemoglobin is formed when oxygen binds to haemoglobin. This association of oxygen with haemoglobin is highly reversible and depends primarily on the partial pressure of oxygen (pO2).

In the alveoli of the lungs, several factors act together to promote the association of oxygen with haemoglobin:
1. High pO2: The oxygen concentration in the alveolar air is high, which encourages oxygen molecules to bind to haemoglobin.
2. Low pCO2: Carbon dioxide is actively cleared from the blood into the alveoli, resulting in low partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the vicinity.
3. Less H+ concentration (Higher pH): Lower levels of acidity (less hydrogen ion concentration) stabilize the structure of haemoglobin in a state that has a high affinity for oxygen.
4. Lower temperature: Lower metabolic activity and heat generation in the lungs compared to active tissues keep the temperature relatively lower, which further stabilises the oxyhaemoglobin complex.

In contrast, in the tissues, low pO2, high pCO2, high H+ concentration (lower pH), and higher temperature are found, which favour the dissociation of oxygen from oxyhaemoglobin.
Therefore, the alveoli provide the ideal conditions for oxyhaemoglobin formation: high pO2, low pCO2, less H+, and lower temperature.

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