CMSA exam prep · FCEM Part I

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FCEM Part IQuestion & explanation

Haemoglobin as a buffer

As blood passes through tissue capillaries and haemoglobin gives up oxygen, its ability to take up H+ changes. Which statement best describes haemoglobin's role as a blood buffer?

Oxyhaemoglobin is the better buffer because its histidine groups are more basic

Haemoglobin buffers mainly through its terminal carboxyl and amino groups

Haemoglobin buffers less H+ than the plasma proteins because it is intracellular

Deoxyhaemoglobin is a weaker acid than oxyhaemoglobin, so it buffers H+ better · Correct

Haemoglobin buffers H+ only after it has been converted to methaemoglobin

Understand why.

Haemoglobin's buffering comes mainly from its 38 histidine residues, and with its high concentration it has six times the buffering capacity of plasma proteins. The imidazole groups of deoxyhaemoglobin dissociate less, making it a weaker acid and a better buffer than oxyhaemoglobin. Terminal carboxyl and amino groups contribute little in the physiological pH range.

Ganong 27th ed, Ch 35 Gas Transport & pH – Buffering in the blood

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