P50 is the partial pressure of oxygen at which haemoglobin is 50% saturated. What will happen to theP50 value if there is an increase in the partial pressure of Carbon dioxide and what effect will it have on the oxygen affinity of haemoglobin (Hb)?
P50 value will increase and the oxygen affinity of Hb will decrease
When the partial pressure of carbon dioxide increases, the oxygen Hb dissociation curve shifts towards the right resulting in the increase of P50 value. Consequently, the oxygen affinity of Hb decreases because more Hb binds with carbon dioxide.