The O2 Dissociation Curve and Saturation Equation

Albert Lee
albertle@scf.usc.edu
Oxygen Dissociation Curve and Saturation Equation
1. URL address:
http://www.udel.edu/Biology/donham/4-22/tsld002.htm
http://www.mtsinai.org/pulmonary/books/physiology/chap6_1.htm

2.  A brief description:
The Oxygen Dissociation Curve relates the partial pressure of oxygen to
oxygen saturation..

3.  Summary
The oxygen dissociation curve is a sinusodial curve.  This shape is due to
the physiology of the  Hb which has a higher affinity for O2 after the
first oxygen has been attached.  This graph is important for determining
the effects of specific types of stress on the respiratioy system.  The
oxygen disassociation curve is shifted to the right by an increase in H+
concentration, PO2, temperature, and the concentration of
2,3-diphosphoglycerate in red blood cells.  Opposite changes shift it to
the left. 

4.  Equations
O2 Saturation  = (O2 combined with Hb / O2 Capacity) * 100
Oxygen Concentration in blood = (1.39 * Hb * Sat./100) +0.003 PO2
O2 + Hb ηθ HbO2


5.  Question
use p.73 in Respiratory Physiology  (FIG 6.1)
Under the following conditions which way will the Oxygen Dissociation
Curve shift?
a) increase in temperature
b) decrease in [H+]
c) increase in  2,3-diphosphoglycerate DPG

ANS: a) shift to right  b) shift to left  c)shift to right

6.  Image
p.73 in Respiratory Physiology
Physiology

Sample Problems:

Answers:

For more information on this topic, please refer to West , page .

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