Which factor increases the dissociation of hemoglobin from oxygen?

Prepare for the CSCS Scientific Foundations Exam. Sharpen your knowledge with detailed flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each explained thoroughly. Gain the confidence you need for your certification!

The factor that increases the dissociation of hemoglobin from oxygen is increased temperature. When body temperature rises, such as during exercise or fever, the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen decreases. This relationship is part of the Bohr effect, where a higher temperature promotes the release of oxygen from hemoglobin, facilitating greater oxygen delivery to active tissues that require more oxygen during periods of increased metabolic activity.

Increased temperature causes a rightward shift in the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve, meaning that at any given partial pressure of oxygen, hemoglobin will release more oxygen at higher temperatures. This mechanism ensures that tissues with elevated metabolisms can obtain the oxygen they need when they need it most.

Decreased blood pH and higher levels of carbon dioxide also play roles in promoting oxygen release, but they reflect different physiological conditions primarily related to the metabolic state of tissues rather than the direct influence of temperature. Increased hemoglobin concentration, while it can lead to greater oxygen carrying capacity, does not directly impact the release of oxygen from hemoglobin once it is bound.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy