How does an increase in blood carbon dioxide concentration change the oxygen dissociation curve of haemoglobin?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. The curve shifts to the right
- Step 1: Higher carbon dioxide lowers pH, which reduces haemoglobin's affinity for oxygen (the Bohr effect).
- Step 2: The dissociation curve shifts right, so at a given partial pressure of oxygen more oxygen is released.
Answer
The curve shifts to the right.
Why not the others: The curve shifts to the left: this would occur at lower carbon dioxide levels. The curve becomes steeper but stays in the same place: the Bohr effect moves the curve sideways. The curve is unchanged: carbon dioxide lowers haemoglobin's affinity for oxygen.
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