As acidity increases, how does this affect the affinity of hemoglobin for the oxygen it carries?
A) Oxyhemoglobin affinity decreases.
B) Oxyhemoglobin affinity increases.
C) Oxyhemoglobin affinity remains the same.
D) Hemoglobin loses its affinity for oxygen.
E) None of the choices are correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As acidity increases (or pH decreases), it leads to a decrease in the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. This is part of the Bohr effect, where hydrogen ions (which increase in concentration as acidity increases) bind to hemoglobin and cause it to change shape slightly, making it release oxygen more easily.

As Acidity Increases, How Does This Affect the Affinity of Hemoglobin