Elevated levels of carbon dioxide will do what to the shape of the curve?
A) make it linear
B) shift it to the right and downward
C) shift it to the left and upward
D) will not affect the shape of the curve

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) will shift the oxygen dissociation curve to the right and downward, meaning that at any given partial pressure of oxygen, hemoglobin will have a lower affinity for oxygen. This is known as the Bohr effect and is due to the fact that high levels of CO2 result in a lower pH (more acidic), which in turn leads to a lower affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. This shift in the curve is important as it allows for increased oxygen delivery to tissues that have a higher metabolic demand, such as during exercise.

Elevated Levels of Carbon Dioxide Will Do What to the Shape