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

Options

A. Low `pCO_(2)`
B. Low `H^(+)` concentration
C. Low `pO_(2)`
D. Low temperature

Answer

To determine which condition shifts the oxygen dissociation curve to the right, we need to understand the factors that influence hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen. The oxygen dissociation curve illustrates how readily hemoglobin acquires and releases oxygen under varying conditions.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Oxygen Dissociation Curve**:
- The oxygen dissociation curve is typically sigmoid in shape and represents the relationship between the partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) and the saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen.

2. **Factors Affecting Hemoglobin-Oxygen Binding**:
- Several factors can influence this binding:
- **Partial Pressure of Oxygen (pO2)**: Higher pO2 favors binding, while lower pO2 does not.
- **Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide (pCO2)**: Higher pCO2 decreases hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen.
- **Hydrogen Ion Concentration (H+)**: Higher H+ concentration (lower pH) decreases affinity.
- **Temperature**: Higher temperatures decrease affinity.

3. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **a. Low pCO2**: This condition favors the formation of oxyhemoglobin, shifting the curve to the left.
- **b. Low H+ concentration**: This also favors oxyhemoglobin formation, shifting the curve to the left.
- **c. Low pO2**: This condition does not favor the binding of oxygen to hemoglobin, thus shifting the curve to the right.
- **d. Low temperature**: This condition favors the formation of oxyhemoglobin, shifting the curve to the left.

4. **Conclusion**:
- The only condition that shifts the oxygen dissociation curve to the right is **c. Low pO2**. This means that at lower partial pressures of oxygen, hemoglobin releases oxygen more readily, indicating a decreased affinity for oxygen.

### Final Answer:
The condition that will shift the oxygen dissociation curve to the right is **c. Low pO2**.

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