Question

What effect does an increase in carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) have on the concentration of hydrogen ions (H^ + ) in the blood?

Answer 1

As the level of carbon dioxide in the blood increases, more H+ is produced and the pH decreases. This increase in carbon dioxide and subsequent decrease in pH reduce the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. The oxygen dissociates from the Hb molecule, shifting the oxygen dissociation curve to the right.