Hey,
Can haemoglobin bind to hydrogen ions?
If yes then what’s the reason and what happens if hydrogen binds to hemoglobin
Hey,
yes Hb can bind to H+, which occurs when the pH falls too low (acidic). This is because the Hb acts as a buffer itself and in an acidic environment, such as a actively working muscle tissue which produces lots of lactic acid, the Hb tries to decrease the acidity by accepting some H+ on its own.
Hopefully it makes sense, but dont hesitate to ask for more help:)
7 Likes
Hi Darius! Is it true though that Hb’s affinity for oxygen is more than hydrogen and Hb’s affinity for carbon monoxide is more than oxygen?
2 Likes
Hey Raya!
Youre absolutely right - in the lungs at higher partial pressures of oxygen, hydrogen ions bonded to Hb will be readily replaced by oxygen molecules. And I just googled that Hb has a 240x greater affinity for carbon monoxide than oxygen:)
5 Likes
Great! Just wanted to clarify that since the topic came up! Thank you:))
2 Likes
Cool fact: Thats actually the reason why people cover their faces during a fire: CO can be quite toxic by replacing oxygen’s place and avoiding its transport (and during incomplete combustion is constantly released😊)
5 Likes