IB Biology Sub-topic B3.1 Definitions

This page contains our IB Biology definitions for sub-topic B3.1. By learning each one of these definitions, you will fully cover the content for IB Biology 'Further gas exchange'.
HL
Allostery

A structural change in haemoglobin when oxygen binds to one of its haem groups, increasing the affinity of the other subunits for oxygen

HL
Bohr Shift

The change in the oxygen dissociation curve due to variations in pH, carbon dioxide levels, and temperature, affecting haemoglobin's oxygen affinity

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Cooperative Binding

The phenomenon where the binding of oxygen to one haemoglobin subunit increases the affinity of the other subunits for oxygen

gas exchange

The process of oxygen and carbon dioxide diffusing across the walls of the alveoli

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Myoglobin

A protein in muscle tissue composed of one α chain with one haem group, having a higher affinity for oxygen and storing it for muscle respiration

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