- A Raises hemoglobin's affinity for O2 by stabilizing the relaxed conformation
- B Decreases hemoglobin affinity for O2 (more O2 released to active tissues)
- C Leaves the oxygen-hemoglobin binding curve completely unshifted
- D Denatures hemoglobin's quaternary structure within red blood cells
Correct answer: B. Decreases hemoglobin affinity for O2 (more O2 released to active tissues)
Explanation: Bohr effect: increased CO2 (and H+) decreases Hb affinity for O2, promoting O2 release to metabolically active tissues.
Concept context
The mechanics of breathing, lung volumes, gas transport in blood, the Bohr effect, and respiratory regulation.