Question

Reduction in pH of blood will

• A. release bicarbonate ions by the liver
• B. decrease the affinity of haemoglobin with oxygen
• C. reduce the blood supply to the brain
• D. reduce the rate of heartbeat

Answer 1

The correct option is B

decrease the affinity of haemoglobin with oxygen

The correct option is B.

Explanation of correct option:

1. The pH in blood plays an important role.
2. A decrease in pH indicates high amount of bicarbonate ions in the blood.
3. According to Bohr, lower pH will result in more delivery of oxygen by haemoglobin.
4. This results in a rightward shift in the Oxygen-Hemoglobin Dissociation Curve in oxygen transport, resulting in increased oxygen unloading by haemoglobin.

Explanation of incorrect options:

Option A:

1. The reduction in pH is not involved with the release of bicarbonate ions by the liver.

Option C:

1. The blood supply to the brain is not reduced in lower pH.

Option D:

1. The heartbeat rate is not affected by lower pH.

Final answer: Reduction in pH of blood will decrease the affinity of haemoglobin with oxygen.