The Bohr Shift on the Oxygen-Hemoglobin Dissociation Curve is Produced

Question

The Bohr shift on the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve is produced by changes in
A)the partial pressure of oxygen.
B)the partial pressure of carbon monoxide.
C)hemoglobin concentration.
D)temperature.
E)pH.

Accepted Answer

The Bohr shift on the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve is produced by changes in pH. A decrease in pH (acidosis) causes a rightward shift in the curve, indicating a decrease in the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. This is beneficial in metabolically active tissues where there is an increase in carbon dioxide production and a subsequent decrease in pH. The decreased affinity allows for oxygen release and better delivery to these tissues. Conversely, an increase in pH (alkalosis) causes a leftward shift in the curve, indicating an increase in the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. This is beneficial in the lungs, where carbon dioxide is exhaled and pH increases, allowing for oxygen uptake by hemoglobin.