As the pH of blood decreases, H+ ions increase, which combine with the protein part of hemoglobin to reduce its ability to bind with:

Correct answer: A. O2

  • A. O2
  • B. CO2
  • C. CO
  • D. H2

Explanation

If the pH of blood is lower than normal (normal physiological pH is 7.4), then the haemoglobin does not bind oxygen as well. In other words, the lower the pH, the more Hydrogen ions, the higher the carbon dioxide level and the LESS affinity Hemoglobin has for oxygen. The opposite is also true: the higher the pH lower the H+ ion concentration, the lower the carbon dioxide level, and the greater the affinity of haemoglobin for oxygen.

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