The Bohr effect is observed in tissues that are oxidizing large amounts of nutrients, generating hydrogen ions, and releasing CO₂ into the blood. This results in:
A) a decrease in oxygenated haemoglobin molecules
B) the denaturation of haemoglobin
C) an increase in protein synthesis
D) an increase in oxygenated haemoglobin molecules
E) an increase in the total number of red blood cells
IMAT 2025 · Question 18
Q18 - Haemoglobin and gas transport
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The correct answer is A) a decrease in oxygenated haemoglobin molecules.
In the Bohr effect, more CO₂ and H⁺ (lower pH) lower haemoglobin's affinity for oxygen. So in busy tissues, haemoglobin lets go of more O₂ and there are fewer oxygenated haemoglobin molecules.
It's a useful effect: oxygen gets dropped off where it's most needed. Nothing is denatured, and the number of red cells doesn't change.
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