Question

A shift to the right in the hemoglobin dissociation curve means that: the affinity of hemoglobin for O2 has decreased. the CO2 levels in the blood have decreased. the pH of the blood has increased. the hemoglobin protein has denatured. less O2 is released by hemoglobin to the body cells.

Answer 1

The correct answer is - the affinity of hemoglobin for O2 has decreased.

Step-by-step explanation:

The oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve or hemoglobin dissociation curve is the graphical representation of the proportion of hemoglobin in its saturated form on the y-axis against the prevailing oxygen tension P0 on the x-axis.

A shift of the curve to the right side indicates the hemoglobin has a reduced or less oxygen affinity. It occurs in cases where oxygen needs to be released such as the placenta for breathing of the fetus and muscles.