Question

Which of the following is correct?

a) The reverse chloride shift occurs during systemic exchange
b) The amount of O₂ bound to hemoglobin is affected by CO2 levels
c) Excess hemoglobin causes anemia
d) Lower pH will result in more oxygen bound to hemoglobin

Answer 1

The amount of O₂ bound to hemoglobin is affected by CO2 levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is option b) The amount of O₂ bound to hemoglobin is affected by CO2 levels.

When carbon dioxide (CO2) levels increase in the blood, it combines with water to form carbonic acid (H2CO3) with the help of the enzyme carbonic anhydrase. The carbonic acid dissociates into bicarbonate (HCO3-) and hydrogen ions (H+). This increase in carbon dioxide and subsequent decrease in pH reduce the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. As a result, more oxygen is needed to reach the same hemoglobin saturation level as when the pH was higher.