Hemoglobin (Hb) is a blood protein that is responsible for transporting oxygen. It can exist in the protonated form as HbH+. The binding of oxygen can be represented by the simplifi ed equation
HbH+ + O2 → HbO2 + H+
(a) What form of hemoglobin is favored in the lungs where oxygen concentration is highest?
(b) In body tissues, where the cells release carbon dioxide produced by metabolism, the blood is more acidic due to the formation of carbonic acid. What form of hemoglobin is favored under this condition?
(c) When a person hyperventilates, the concentration of CO2 in his or her blood decreases. How does this action affect the above equilibrium? Frequently a person who is hyperventilating is advised to breathe into a paper bag. Why does this action help the individual?