The quantitative advantage of allosteric behavior for O2-transporting heme proteinsThe equ...

The quantitative advantage of allosteric behavior for O2-transporting heme proteins

The equation allows the calculation of Y (the fractional saturation of hemoglobin with O2) given P50 and n (see box on pages 500-501). Let P50 = 26 torr and n = 2.8. Calculate Y in the lungs where pO2 = 100 torr and Y in the capillaries where pO2 = 40 torr. What is the efficiency of O2 delivery under these conditions (expressed as Ylungs - Ycapillaries)? Repeat the calculations, but for n = 1. Compare the values for Ylungs - Ycapillaries for n = 2.8 versus Ylungs - Ycapillaries for n = 1 to determine the effect of cooperative O2-binding of oxygen delivery by hemoglobin.