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Physiological respiration is defined as the bulk flow of oxygen into the cell ti

ID: 476766 • Letter: P

Question

Physiological respiration is defined as the bulk flow of oxygen into the cell tissues from the surrounding environment, and the transport of the carbon dioxide byproduct in the opposite direction. From a macro perspective, the diaphragm is lowered to allow the lungs to fully expand (an average of 6L) with air. The pressure in the lungs is 3 mmHg below atmospheric pressure to allow air in. At 37 degree C (body temperature), what mass of oxygen is inhaled in the lungs in one breath? (see traditional question 4b for the composition of air) Hemoglobin (molecular weight: 64000 g/mol) is the iron containing compound found in red blood cells that transports oxygen to the tissues (see figure). Each hemoglobin binds 4 oxygen molecules to form oxyhemoglobin. If 98% of the oxygen in a single breath (from part a) is bound to the hemoglobin, and blood contains a 100 g/L concentration of hemoglobin, what volume of blood is enriched with oxygen in a single breath? Include a chemical equation for oxygen binding to hemoglobin (Hb).

Explanation / Answer

Answer:

V = 6 L

p = 3 mm Hg,

1 mm = 0.00131 atm

P = 3 x 0.00131 = 0.00393 atm

T = 37 C

T = 37 + 273 = 310K

Oxygen molecular weight = 32

m=?

According to the Ideal gas equation

PV = nRT, n = moles, R = 0.0821 L atm K-1 mol-1

0.00393 x 6 = (wt/32 )x 0.0821 x 310

0.02358 = (wt/32) x 25.451

wt/32 = 0.000926

wt = 0.0296 g.