The graph above (Schmidt-Nielsen and Larimer, 1958) shows how P_50 values of hem

Question

The graph above (Schmidt-Nielsen and Larimer, 1958) shows how P_50 values of hemoglobin vary with body size in mammals that typically live at low elevations (Note that the axes are on a log-log scale). What does this trend tell us about the affinity of hemoglobin for O_2 at different body sizes? Why is it advantageous for smaller animals to have higher P_50 values than large animals? In your answer, explain why it is significant that the relationship takes the form of a straight line on a log-log scale.

Explanation / Answer

A)Oxygen affinity decreased with decrease in adult body size.

B) In case of smaller animals, . Smaller animals have a higher mass specific metabolic rate and may be selected to favor oxygen unloading to the tissues the hemoglobin affinity decreases, the oxy hemoglobin dissociation curve shifts to the right and increases p50. Vise versa in case of larger animal.the p50 tend to decrease.

C) the oxygen affinity is directly proportional to the body weight. Hence when plotted on a graph shows a straight line.

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