biochem rsp s question

[mg777]

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1996
#114

Assuming that P50= 26 torrs, under cond'n where PO2 = 26 torrs, the average number of O2 molecules bound per hemoglobin molecule is closest to

Answer: grtr than 2

Anyone know to do this? thx

 

[lionelhutz]

hey there!
I answered this question in a previous thread but here it is again.

P50 is the partial pressure of oxygen at which 50% of the oxygen binding sites in hemoglobin are saturated with o2 molecules. Remember that each Hgb has 4 o2 binding sites.

At 26torrs, 2 out of the 4 sites will have o2 bound to them. Since 30torrs is slightly higher than that, we can estimate that at least 2 or more sites have o2 bound, thus the answer is D.


Hope that helped.

 

[mg777]

crystal clear, nice explanation. btw, i mistyped the given P02= it is 30 torr, not 26 so i dont confuse someone who hadnt read this question before.