Oxygen Dissociation

Curve
Ian Gabrielle Cuyno

Terms

Hemoglobin
Carrier of O2 and CO2
Also functions in acid-base balance as a
buffer
Is an allosteric molecule

Its functionality depends on surrounding

molecules

2,3 DPG
2,3, Diphosphoglycerate
Responsible for tensed or relaxed state of
Hemoglobin

Low 2,3 DPG = more room for O2 (inc.

affinity)
High 2,3 DPG = less room for O2 (dec.
affinity)

Affinity
The

tendency of Hb to hold or
release O2
High Affinity
Tendency to retain O2
Property needed in lungs (O2 absorption)

Low Affinity
Tendency to release O2
Property needed in peripheral tissues (O2
release)

PO2
Partial pressure of oxygen
Oxygen content in environment of RBC
Lungs = High PO2
Tissues = Low PO2

Oxygen Saturation
Percent content of O2 in RBCs
PO2 Increase = Increase in % Saturation

Note:
O2 needs to be absorbed in lungs (High
Affinity)
O2 needs to be released in tissues (Low
Affinity)

Discussion

Oxygen Dissociation Curve

100
90
80
70
60
% O2 Saturation

P50 = 27 mmHg
50
40
30
20
10
0
10

20

30

40

50
PO2

60

70

80

90 100

p50
The pO2 needed to saturate RBCs to 50%
Normal value = 27 mmHg

Shift in the Curve

Indicates changes in O2 affinity of Hb
Affected by various factors
Seen as shift in p50

Factors which shift the

curve
Factor

Left

Right

Temperature

Decrease

Increase

2,3, DPG

Decrease

Increase

CO2

Decrease

Increase

pH

Increase

Decrease

Shift to the Left

Increased affinity for O2
Less PO2 needed to saturate Hb (greater O2
content)
Tendency to retain O2 (not give it to tissues)

Oxygen Dissociation Curve

100
90
80
70
60
% O2 Saturation

50
40
30
20
10
0
10

20

30

40

50
PO2

60

70

80

90 100

Conditions causing shift to the

Left

Respiratory Alkalosis
Caused by Hyperventilation

Hypothermia

Shift to the Right

Decreased affinity for O2
more PO2 needed to saturate Hb (less O2
content)
Tendency to release O2 (give it to tissues)

Oxygen Dissociation Curve

100
90
80
70
60
% O2 Saturation

50

P50 = 37 mmHg

40
30
20
10
0
10

20

30

40

50
PO2

60

70

80

90 100

Conditions causing shift to the

Right

Respiratory Acidosis
Increased CO2
Usually coupled with HYPOXEMIA

Hyperthermia
Tissues need more O2

Note

Hemoglobins function as gas carrier also

affects bodys acid-base balance

CO2

CO2

Hemoglobin also carries CO2

In the tissues:
CO2 + H2O = H2CO3 (Carbonic Acid)

H2CO3 = H+ + HCO3- (Bicarbonate)

Bicarbonate enters RBC membrane to be carried
to lungs

In the Body

Hb(02)4 + H2O + CO2 = Hb- + H2CO3 +

4O2

In the RBC:
Hb- + H2CO3 = HB + HCO3

In the Lungs

Hb + 4O2 = Hb(02)4 (Oxygenated) + H+

Note: H+ release corrects Alkalosis caused

by Hyperventilation

In the RBC
H+ + HCO3- = H2O + CO2 (expelled)