Explain6 marksChallenge
Table 1 shows the percentage saturation of haemoglobin with oxygen at various partial pressures of oxygen (pO₂) in the blood at pH 7.4 (typical of blood in the lungs) and at pH 7.2 (typical of blood in respiring tissues).
| pO₂ (kPa) | % saturation at pH 7.4 | % saturation at pH 7.2 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 10 | 5 |
| 4 | 50 | 30 |
| 6 | 75 | 60 |
| 8 | 88 | 78 |
| 10 | 94 | 88 |
| 12 | 97 | 93 |
| 14 | 98 | 96 |
Explain how the data in the table, together with the processes that occur in red blood cells, ensure efficient transport of oxygen from the lungs to respiring tissues and simultaneous transport of carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs.