Final answer:
Decreased oxygen concentration in cells usually results in increased levels of carbon dioxide. This imbalance affects the function of hemoglobin in releasing and absorbing oxygen, which can be further modified by factors such as hormones or genetic conditions like sickle cell anemia and thalassemia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Decreased oxygen concentration in cells is often accompanied by too much carbon dioxide. This is because when cellular oxygen levels drop, cells continue to metabolize and produce energy, resulting in an increased production of carbon dioxide. Excessive carbon dioxide leads to a lower blood pH and a decrease in the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. This shift in oxygen dissociation causes hemoglobin to release more oxygen, requiring higher amounts to achieve the same level of saturation. Conditions like hypoxia, experienced at high altitudes or in diseases like sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, exacerbate this effect and decrease the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity.
Furthermore, certain hormones can stimulate the production of 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (BPG), which additionally reduces hemoglobin's oxygen affinity. Similarly, artificial oxygen carriers have been created to mimic the oxygen transport capacity of hemoglobin, showing the importance of maintaining proper oxygen levels in the blood for health and survival.