Bohr Shift

• The Bohr shift explains the increased release of oxygen by hemoglobin in respiring tissues
• The oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve demonstrates the saturation of hemoglobin by oxygen under normal conditions
• pH changes alter the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen, affecting the uptake and release of O2 by hemoglobin
• Carbon dioxide lowers the pH of the blood by forming carbonic acid, causing hemoglobin to release its oxygen - known as the Bohr effect
• A decrease in pH shifts the oxygen dissociation curve to the right, promoting the release of oxygen by hemoglobin
• Cells with increased metabolism, like respiring tissues, release greater amounts of carbon dioxide, prompting hemoglobin to release oxygen where it is most needed