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Caught Red-Handed

Hemoglobin, Carbon Monoxide, and a Butcher’s Knife

By Mackenzie A. Hahn, Hannah C. Schake, Ryan T. Schalles, Sarah R. Shioji, Breanna N. Harris

Caught Red-Handed


 

Abstract

Was the "Brooklyn Butcher" of 1926 a cold-blooded killer or was something less sinister at play? This interrupted case study introduces students to hemoglobin binding and carbon monoxide poisoning by working through the details of a fictionalized account of a true-crime story. Topics covered include molecule conformational states, binding affinity, deoxyhemoglobin, oxyhemoglobin, carboxyhemoglobin, and oxygen transport. Students also design an experiment to determine the cause of death of the victim. Prior to beginning the activity students should have some knowledge of the respiratory and circulatory systems and be familiar with oxygen binding curves. Detailed understanding of hemoglobin conformational changes is not necessary since this information is covered in the case. Students will also learn briefly about the electromagnetic spectrum and visible light. Originally developed for a non-majors, pre-nursing anatomy and physiology course, the case is also appropriate for use in any of the following courses: introductory biochemistry, introductory biology, introductory chemistry, nursing, exercise physiology, or possibly even introductory physics.

   

Date Posted

04/02/2018

Overview

Objectives

  • Describe the function of hemoglobin in the body and be able to sketch the molecule.
  • Describe cooperative binding, specifically how the tensed and relaxed states of hemoglobin relate to oxygen loading and unloading.
  • Compare and contrast the relationship between carbon monoxide or oxygen and hemoglobin, specifically related to binding affinity, molecule state, and light absorption.
  • Explain how carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to hypoxic tissue injuries.
  • Read an oxygen-hemoglobin saturation curve and describe variables that result in right- and left-shifted curves.
  • Design an experiment to support or refute a hypothesis.

Keywords

hemoglobin; oxygen; carbon monoxide; binding curve; red blood cells; respiration; oxygen transport; hypothesis; scientific method; circulatory system; blood; electromagnetic spectrum;

  

Subject Headings

Biochemistry
Biology (General)
Chemistry (General)
Forensic Science
Medicine (General)
Nursing
Physiology
Science (General)
Sports Science
Toxicology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division, Clinical education

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

Scientific method, Scientific argumentation

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Interrupted

 

 

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