IMAT Haemoglobin and gas transport questions

Sample questions

1. 1IMAT Doutor

   Why does the sigmoidal shape of the oxygen–haemoglobin dissociation curve make haemoglobin an efficient oxygen transporter?
   1. AIt makes the affinity constant at every partial pressure, so oxygen is released at a steady rate throughout the body
   2. BIt allows four molecules of CO₂ to be carried at the same time as oxygen, on the same binding sites
   3. CIt prevents the Bohr effect from occurring, so the affinity is not disturbed by changes in pH or carbon dioxide
   4. DIt stays nearly saturated over the range of pressures in the lungs and unloads steeply over the range found in the tissues
   5. EIt allows oxygen to be bound irreversibly in the lungs and released only when the red cell is destroyed
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2. 2IMAT 2026 Q10

   What is the main function of red blood cells in the blood?
   1. ATo transport CO₂ to the liver
   2. BTo clot the blood
   3. CTo regulate body temperature
   4. DTo fight infections
   5. ETo transport oxygen to the tissues
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