The relationship between partial pressure of oxygen and percent hemoglobin saturation with oxygen is described by a ______ curve.This curve shape results from the fact that ______.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen depends on the partial pressure of oxygen available.As this increases, the four heme groups sequentially bind a molecule of oxygen each.During this process, the configuration of hemoglobin changes, which facilitates the additional binding of oxygen.Thus the relationship between the partial pressure of oxygen and percent hemoglobin saturation is sigmoid in nature.The oxygenation of one heme group increases the oxygen affinity of other heme groups.

The Relationship Between Partial Pressure of Oxygen and Percent Hemoglobin