Question:medium

Oxygen dissociation curve of haemoglobin is

Updated On: May 5, 2026
  • Sigmoid
  • Hyperbolic
  • Linear
  • Hypobolic
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

The question asks about the shape of the oxygen dissociation curve of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin's ability to bind and release oxygen is represented by this curve.

  • Option: Sigmoid - The correct answer. The oxygen dissociation curve for hemoglobin is sigmoid (S-shaped). This is due to cooperative binding: as one oxygen molecule binds to hemoglobin, it increases the affinity of the next oxygen molecule binding.
  • Option: Hyperbolic - Incorrect. This curve represents non-cooperative binding. Myoglobin, a protein similar to hemoglobin found in muscle tissue, exhibits a hyperbolic curve.
  • Option: Linear - Incorrect. A linear curve suggests a direct proportionality between two variables and does not apply to the binding nature of hemoglobin.
  • Option: Hypobolic - Incorrect. This term does not apply to standard graph shapes in this context and seems like a typographical error.

Conclusion: The sigmoid shape of the hemoglobin oxygen dissociation curve is due to the cooperative binding property of hemoglobin, where the binding of oxygen to one site affects the affinity at other sites.

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