Question

As acidity increases, how does this affect the affinity of hemoglobin for the oxygen it carries?

A. affinity decreases
B. affinity increases
C. affinity remains the same
D. none of these

Answer 1

As acidity increases, the affinity of hemoglobin for the oxygen it carries decreases.

Step-by-step explanation:

As the level of carbon dioxide in the blood increases, more hydrogen ions (H*) are produced and the pH decreases. This decrease in pH reduces the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen, causing the oxygen to dissociate from the hemoglobin molecule. As a result, the oxygen dissociation curve shifts to the right, indicating a decrease in affinity for oxygen. Therefore, as acidity increases, the affinity of hemoglobin for the oxygen it carries decreases.