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Binding of one molecule of oxygen to haemoglobin makes it easier for a second oxygen molecule to bind - AQA - A-Level Biology - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 3
Question 4
Binding of one molecule of oxygen to haemoglobin makes it easier for a second oxygen molecule to bind. Explain why.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Binding of one molecule of oxygen to haemoglobin makes it easier for a second oxygen molecule to bind - AQA - A-Level Biology - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 3
Step 1
Explain why binding of one oxygen molecule facilitates the binding of another.
Answer
The binding of the first oxygen molecule triggers a conformational change in the structure of haemoglobin. This change exposes additional binding sites, making it easier for a second oxygen molecule to attach. Essentially, the binding of the first molecule increases the affinity of haemoglobin for subsequent oxygen molecules.