Bohr effect is the effect of

Options

A. `CO_(2)` on RBCs
B. `O_(2)` on the hemoglobin
C. `CO_(2)` on haemoglobin
D. `CO_(2)` on oxygaemglobin

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Bohr Effect**: The Bohr effect refers to the physiological phenomenon where the binding affinity of hemoglobin (Hb) for oxygen (O2) decreases under certain conditions. This means that hemoglobin releases oxygen more readily when certain factors are present.

2. **Factors Influencing the Bohr Effect**: The primary factors that influence the Bohr effect include:
- Increased levels of carbon dioxide (pCO2)
- Increased temperature
- Decreased pH (more acidic conditions)

3. **Graphical Representation**: The relationship between the partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) and the saturation of hemoglobin can be illustrated using an oxygen dissociation curve.
- On the y-axis, we plot the percentage saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen.
- On the x-axis, we plot the partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) in mmHg.

4. **Interpreting the Oxygen Dissociation Curve**: As the partial pressure of oxygen increases, the saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen also increases until it reaches a maximum saturation point (100%).
- This maximum saturation typically occurs around 90 mmHg of PO2.

5. **Right Shift of the Curve**: When the curve shifts to the right, it indicates a decrease in hemoglobin's oxygen-carrying capacity. This right shift occurs under the following conditions:
- High pCO2 levels
- High temperatures
- Low pH (increased concentration of H+ ions)

6. **Conclusion**: The Bohr effect primarily explains how the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen is affected by pH levels. As pH decreases (more acidic), the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen also decreases, facilitating the release of oxygen to tissues that need it.

**Final Answer**: The Bohr effect is the effect of pH (and related factors like pCO2 and temperature) on the binding affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen (O2).

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