How does Haemoglobin work?
Haemoglobin is a protein made up of 4 sub-units. Each sub-unit has a molecule of un-oxygenated Iron. Oxygen covalently bonds to the Iron and is thereby carried by the blood as Oxy-haemoglobin. Oxy-haemoglobin releases its oxygen in areas of the body where it needs.
In these areas of the body Carbon Dioxide is present in higher quantities than Oxygen and so binds in the same way to Haemoglobin, thus creating carboxyhaemoglobin. This carries carbon dioxide to the lungs where it is released.
CJ
Related Biology GCSE answers
All answers ▸Describe how the action of the mouth, oesophagus and stomach contributes towards the digestion of food? (6 Marks)
How are plant leaves adapted for photosynthesis?
What is active transport the movement of and what does it need to occur? Give some examples of where is might occur in the human body.
What are the two main differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?