HW9

Hemoglobin takes up oxygen to form oxyhemoglobin (HbO₂) according to the simplified equation

Hb (aq) + O₂ (aq) ---k--> HbO₂ (aq)

in which the second order rate constant k = 2.1 X 10⁶ M^-1s^-1 at 310 K. For an average MCS student, the concentrations of Hb and O₂ in the blood of the lungs are 8.0 X 10^-6 M and 1.5 X 10^-6 M, respectively.

(a) Calculate the rate of formation of HbO₂.

(b) Calculate the rate of consumption of O₂.

(c) During exercise, the rate of formation of HbO₂ increases to 1.4 X 10^-4 M s^-1 to meet the demand of an increased metabolic rate. Since red blood cells can't be made very quickly, assume the Hb concentration remains unchanged. What oxygen concentration is necessary to sustain the increased HbO₂ formation?