Oxygen-binding characteristics of the haemolymph of the freshwater snail Bulinus (Physopsis) globosus

Abstract

Oxygen dissociation curves were made and the Bohr-effect determined from micro-volume samples of the haemolymph of the freshwater snail Bulinus (Physopsis) globosus. Haemoglobin dissolved in the haemolymph is typically a high oxygen affinity respiratory pigment with a P₅₀ value of 4,0 mm Hg measured at 26 °C and a carbon dioxide tension of 3 mm Hg. The eco-physiological implications of the experimental findings are discussed.