Bohr Shift

Question 1

What is the Bohr effect or Bohr Shift?

Answer 1

The Bohr shift explains the increased release of oxygen by hemoglobin in respiring tissue

Question 2

How does a decrease in pH affect the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve?

Answer 2

Shifts it to the right

Question 3

Does a lower pH increase or decrease hemoglobins affinity for oxygen?

Answer 3

Lower pH = Hemoglobin has a lower affinity (doesn’t hold on as tight) for oxygen.

Question 4

How does an increase in carbon dioxide partial pressure (PCO2) affect the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve?

Answer 4

More carbon dioxide makes the hemoglobin release oxygen more easily, causing a rightward shift. Lower affinity (need) for oxygen.

Question 5

Does a higher PCO2 increase or decrease hemoglobin’s affinity for oxygen?

Answer 5

High CO2 (more acidic) means the oxygen is high in demand thus hemoglobins affinity for oxygen decreases

Question 6

Explain the mechanism by which increased CO2 leads to a lower pH in the blood.

Answer 6

Increased CO2 reacts with water to form carbonic acid, which then brakes down and releases hydrogen ions, lowering the pH

Question 7

Where in the body is the Bohr effect most significant?

Answer 7

In tissues with high metabolic activity
Ex active muscles

Question 8

How does the Bohr shift aid in oxygen delivery to active tissues?

Answer 8

Active tissues produce more CO2, which lowers the pH. This lower pH causes hemoglobin to release oxygen more rapidly.