The graph below shows an oxygen dissociation curve, with the normal curve in the center. What is the name of the phenomenon that shifts the curve to the right? What causes this change in oxygen dissociation? Is the shift beneficial or detrimental? Explain.


The shift in the dissociation curve is called the Bohr effect. The decrease in pH may be due to an increase in CO2 and lactic acid during vigorous physical activity, or to metabolic acidosis. The Bohr effect is beneficial, because the unloading of oxygen from hemoglobin increases under such conditions. If the decrease in pH is due to exercise, then the skeletal muscles have an increased demand for oxygen, and thus increased unloading is desirable.

Anatomy & Physiology

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