Hemoglobin (abbreviated Hb) is a protein that is responsible for the transport of oxygen in the blood of mammals. Each hemoglobin molecule contains four iron atoms that are the binding sites for O2 molecules. The oxygen binding is pH- dependent. The relevant equilibrium reaction is HbH44+(aq) + 4O2(g) ⇌ Hb(O2)4(aq) + 4H+(aq) Use Le Châtelier’s principle to answer the following.
a. What form of hemoglobin, HbH44+ or Hb(O2)4, is favored in the lungs? What form is favored in the cells?
b. When a person hyperventilates, the concentration of CO2 in the blood is decreased. How does this affect the oxygen- binding equilibrium? How does breathing into a paper bag help to counteract this effect?