Answer to Question #227344 in Human Anatomy and Physiology for Moe

Question

Discuss the dissociation curve and how and why local conditions influence this curve.

Answer 1

Answer.

The shift of the oxygen dissociation curve to the right occurs in response to an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (Pco2), a decrease in pH, or both, the last of which is known as the Bohr effect.

Classically the factors recognised to influence the oxygen dissociation curve (ODC) include the local prevailing CO2 partial pressure (PCO2), pH and temperature. The curve is shifted to the right (i.e. lower saturation for a given PO2) by higher PCO2, greater acidity (lower pH) and higher temperature