How do conditions around metabolically active tissues affect the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve?

• A. Shift the curve to the right
• B. Have no effect on the curve
• C. Shift the curve to the left
• D. Cause the curve to become linear

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve: This curve represents the relationship between the partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) and the saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen. It is typically sigmoidal in shape.
2. Identify factors affecting the curve: Metabolically active tissues produce more carbon dioxide, increase temperature, and lower pH due to increased metabolic activity. These factors influence the curve.
3. Consider the Bohr effect: The Bohr effect describes how increased carbon dioxide and decreased pH (more acidic conditions) lead to hemoglobin releasing oxygen more readily, causing a rightward shift in the curve.
4. Analyze the impact of temperature: Higher temperatures, often found in metabolically active tissues, also cause hemoglobin to release oxygen more easily, contributing to a rightward shift in the curve.
5. Conclude the effect on the curve: Given the conditions around metabolically active tissues (increased CO2, lower pH, higher temperature), the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve shifts to the right, facilitating oxygen release to tissues.