Question

What would happen when blood is acidic?

• A. Binding of oxygen with haemoglobin increases.
• B. Red blood corpuscles are formed in higher number.
• C. Binding of oxygen with haemoglobin decreases.
• D. There is no change in oxygen binding nor number of RBC.

Answer 1

The correct option is C Binding of oxygen with haemoglobin decreases.

An increase in blood CO${}_2$ concentration, which leads to a decrease in blood pH. This will result in haemoglobin proteins releasing their load of oxygen. Conversely, a decrease in carbon dioxide provokes an increase in pH, which results in haemoglobin picking up more oxygen. Since carbon dioxide reacts with water to form carbonic acid, an increase in CO${}_2$ results in a decrease in blood pH.

Thus, the correct answer is option C.