Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biochemistry4h 34m
2. Water3h 23m
3. Amino Acids8h 10m
4. Protein Structure10h 4m
5. Protein Techniques14h 5m
6. Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics13h 38m
7. Enzyme Inhibition and Regulation 8h 42m
8. Protein Function 9h 41m
9. Carbohydrates7h 49m
10. Lipids5h 49m
11. Biological Membranes and Transport 6h 37m
12. Biosignaling9h 45m
Review 1: Nucleic Acids, Lipids, & Membranes2h 47m
Review 2: Biosignaling, Glycolysis, Gluconeogenesis, & PP-Pathway3h 12m
Review 3: Pyruvate & Fatty Acid Oxidation, Citric Acid Cycle, & Glycogen Metabolism2h 26m
Review 4: Amino Acid Oxidation, Oxidative Phosphorylation, & Photophosphorylation1h 48m

8. Protein Function

Hemoglobin Carbonation & Protonation

Biochemistry

8. Protein Function

Hemoglobin Carbonation & Protonation

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with Biochemistry?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

Alkalemia is a disease associated with an abnormal increase in the pH of a patient's blood due to rapid breathing (hyperventilation). How would alkalemia affect the oxygen binding affinity of the patient's hemoglobin?

P₅₀ and oxygen affinity decrease.

P₅₀ and oxygen affinity increase.

P₅₀ decreases and oxygen affinity increases.

P₅₀ increases and oxygen affinity decreases.

P₅₀ and oxygen affinity remain the same.

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the Bohr effect: The Bohr effect describes how pH and carbon dioxide concentration affect the oxygen binding affinity of hemoglobin. An increase in pH (alkalemia) typically increases hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen.

Recognize the relationship between pH and hemoglobin: In conditions of alkalemia, the blood pH is higher than normal, which stabilizes the R state (relaxed state) of hemoglobin, enhancing its ability to bind oxygen.

Consider the P50 value: P50 is the partial pressure of oxygen at which hemoglobin is 50% saturated. A decrease in P50 indicates an increased affinity for oxygen, as less oxygen is needed to achieve 50% saturation.

Apply the concept to the problem: With alkalemia, the increased pH leads to a decrease in P50, meaning hemoglobin binds oxygen more tightly, thus increasing oxygen affinity.

Conclude the effect: Therefore, in alkalemia, the P50 decreases and the oxygen affinity of hemoglobin increases, aligning with the correct answer provided.