Haemoglobin Vs Nitrite
1. Background knowledge/theory:
Nitrite can be produced through a bacterial reduction from nitrate. This reduction can occur in the oral cavity of humans. Nitrate is commonly found in fertilisers for food crops so it’s also found on the outside of fruits and vegetables (Mygind, 1991). This is relevant because nitrite can have consequences for our overall health. It can react with secondary amines to form nitrosamines. Research has shown that some nitrosamines can cause cancer (Mygind, 1991).
Furthermore, in our blood there is a reaction between nitrite and haemoglobin. Nitrite can oxidise the haemoglobin in the blood to methaemoglobin which is incapable of binding with oxygen and therefore can’t transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest
Nitrite can be produced through a bacterial reduction from nitrate. This reduction can occur in the oral cavity of humans. Nitrate is commonly found in fertilisers for food crops so it’s also found on the outside of fruits and vegetables (Mygind, 1991). This is relevant because nitrite can have consequences for our overall health. It can react with secondary amines to form nitrosamines. Research has shown that some nitrosamines can cause cancer (Mygind, 1991).
Furthermore, in our blood there is a reaction between nitrite and haemoglobin. Nitrite can oxidise the haemoglobin in the blood to methaemoglobin which is incapable of binding with oxygen and therefore can’t transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest