BioC 3021 Section 001

Case Study 3: Hemoglobin under water

Crocodiles can stay under water for up to an hour. They can use virtually 100% of the oxygen in their blood (we can only use about 65%). Their hemoglobin is unusual because it can bind bicarbonate ion, which stabilizes the deoxy-form. Can you propose an explanation?

(Hint: assume that the crocodile does not exhale while under water).

From Voet and Voet, Biochemistry, J. Wiley 3rd edition