Campbell Biology (10th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321775651
ISBN 13: 978-0-32177-565-8

Chapter 42 - 42.7 - Concept Check - Page 943: 2

Answer

Active tissues will have a higher concentration of CO$_2$ and a lower pH. Hemoglobin releases oxygen more easily in areas with a higher concentration of CO$_2$ and a lower pH (for instance, active tissues).

Work Step by Step

The Bohr shift describes hemoglobin's oxygen affinity, which makes it more likely to bind with oxygen in higher pH areas and more likely to release it in areas with a lower pH. Since active tissues in need of oxygen will have a lower pH and higher CO$_2$ concentration due to their higher use of oxygen, this effect encourages hemoglobin to release oxygen in the areas where it is most needed and used.
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