How does hemoglobin work? (beginner question)

[andrewbb]

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Hemoglobin binds to O2 and CO2, correct? Its purpose is to bring O2 to the cells and bring CO2 to the lungs to exhale?

My question: How does O2 dislodge from the Fe atom? Does it pick up a CO2 at the same time?

It seems like that is the primary mechanism for removing C from the body, correct?

 

[kb1900]

This is an entire biochem lecture (or several)!

I'd recommend watching a KA video

 

[Goro]

Google and youtube are your friends.

Hemoglobin binds to O2 and CO2, correct? Its purpose is to bring O2 to the cells and bring CO2 to the lungs to exhale?

My question: How does O2 dislodge from the Fe atom? Does it pick up a CO2 at the same time?

It seems like that is the primary mechanism for removing C from the body, correct?

 

[andrewbb]

As Carbon-depleted blood travels through the circulatory system, it deposits O2 and picks up CO2. This is systemic flow.
Pulmonary flow distributes erythrocytes (hemoglobin) throughout the large surface area of the lungs, dropping off CO2 and picking up O2.

As there are/is 270 million hemoglobin in each erythrocyte, each is bound to either CO2 or O2. I do not know the ratios at this point. What is that efficiency? Or the rate of transfer?

As I doubt there is a chemical reaction during systemic flow, I assume an O2 is deposited while a separate CO2 is picked up (and probably not the same hemoglobin).

 

[andrewbb]

Is the capillary transfer the same membranic process as the epithelial layer in the lungs? Also, I do not know (nor the correct terminology).

 

[Ismet]

SDN is not for homework or academic help. Closing thread.