Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements best describes the effect of increased temperature on oxygen unloading from hemoglobin?
A
Increased temperature enhances O$_2$ unloading from hemoglobin.
B
Increased temperature causes hemoglobin to bind O$_2$ more tightly.
C
Increased temperature has no effect on O$_2$ unloading from hemoglobin.
D
Increased temperature decreases O$_2$ unloading from hemoglobin.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the relationship between temperature and hemoglobin's oxygen-binding affinity. Hemoglobin's ability to bind oxygen is influenced by environmental factors, including temperature. Increased temperature typically reduces hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen, facilitating oxygen unloading to tissues.
Recall the Bohr effect, which describes how changes in pH and CO$_2$ levels affect hemoglobin's oxygen-binding affinity. While the Bohr effect primarily focuses on pH and CO$_2$, temperature also plays a role in modulating hemoglobin's behavior.
Consider the physiological context: during exercise or fever, body temperature increases, and tissues require more oxygen. Enhanced oxygen unloading from hemoglobin at higher temperatures supports this increased demand.
Analyze the options provided: The correct statement should align with the concept that increased temperature enhances oxygen unloading from hemoglobin, as hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen decreases under these conditions.
Conclude that the correct answer is: 'Increased temperature enhances O$_2$ unloading from hemoglobin,' based on the biochemical principles governing hemoglobin's oxygen-binding affinity and the physiological need for oxygen delivery to tissues.