Question

Which of the following conditions will shift the oxygen dissociation curve to the right?

• A. Low $pC{O}_2$
• B. Low $H^{+}$ concentration
• C. Low $p{O}_2$
• D. Low temperature

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Oxygen binds with hemoglobin in a reversible manner to form oxyhemoglobin. A maximum of four oxygen molecules is carried by each Hb. The binding of oxygen is related to the partial pressure of $O_2$ whereas partial pressure of $C{O}_2$ , hydrogen ion concentration, and temperature are factors interfering with its binding. The factors which are favorable for formation of oxyhemoglobin in the alveoli are high $p{O}_2$ , lesser $H^{+}$ concentration, low $pC{O}_{2,}$ and lower temperature. These conditions shift the oxygen dissociation curve to the left. The low $p{O}_2$ , high $pC{O}_2$ , high $H^{+}$ concentration, and higher temperature in the tissues are all the conditions leading to dissociation of oxygen from the oxyhemoglobin. These conditions shift the oxygen dissociation curve to the right.