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How do you think the HbO2 dissociation curve would shift if you went from New Orleans (7 ft. below sea level) to the top of Mt. Evans (14, 265 ft.)?

a) Right Shift
b) Left Shift
c) No Change
d) I have no idea!

User Joe K
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The HbO2 dissociation curve would shift to the right.

Step-by-step explanation:

The HbO2 dissociation curve represents the relationship between the partial pressure of oxygen and the saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen. A rightward shift of the curve indicates a decrease in hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen, resulting in a decreased saturation at any given oxygen pressure. When you go from New Orleans (7 ft. below sea level) to the top of Mt. Evans (14,265 ft.), the altitude increases, which means there is a decrease in the partial pressure of oxygen. This decrease in oxygen pressure causes the HbO2 dissociation curve to shift to the right, resulting in a decrease in hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen.

Therefore, the correct answer is a) Right Shift.

User Surely
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