What environmental conditions induce hemoglobin to release oxygen?

Question

What environmental conditions induce hemoglobin to release oxygen?
Select one:
a. An environment low in oxygen
b. An environment high in oxygen
c. An environment under high pressure
d. An environment under low pressure

Answer 1

Hi Marrisa,

 

This question relates to the Bohr effect. When plasma in the blood has high carbon dioxide concentrations, pH lowers. Carbon dioxide is acidic. The body wants to lower the level of acidity so it releases Oxygen to brong pH back to normal levels. Therefore the answer is "a" because an environment low in Oxygen is high in carbon dioxide.