How would an increase in bicarbonate (HCO3andminus;)relative to all other molecules in the blood affect the oxygen affinity of hemoglobin and why?a)Increase oxygen affinity by directly binding with hemoglobinb)Decrease oxygen affinity by binding with free protonsc)Decrease oxygen affinity by directly binding with hemoglobind)Increase oxygen affinity by binding with free protonsCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

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How would an increase in bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) relative to all other molecules in the blood affect the oxygen affinity of hemoglobin and why?

a)
Increase oxygen affinity by directly binding with hemoglobin
b)
Decrease oxygen affinity by binding with free protons
c)
Decrease oxygen affinity by directly binding with hemoglobin
d)
Increase oxygen affinity by binding with free protons

Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

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How would an increase in bicarbonate (HCO3−)relative to all othe...

An increase in bicarbonate (HCO₃^-) in the blood is typically associated with a decrease in blood pH (acidosis). In an acidic environment, the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen decreases, causing a rightward shift of the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve. This shift promotes the release of oxygen from hemoglobin, allowing it to be delivered to the tissues.

The increase in bicarbonate indirectly affects the oxygen affinity of hemoglobin by binding with free protons (H⁺). When bicarbonate combines with protons, it forms carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), which can then dissociate into carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O). This reaction helps regulate blood pH and maintain acid-base balance.

The binding of free protons by bicarbonate leads to a decrease in the concentration of protons in the blood. This reduction in proton concentration helps to stabilize the deoxygenated form of hemoglobin (T-state), which has a higher affinity for oxygen. As a result, the oxygen affinity of hemoglobin increases, allowing it to bind more readily with oxygen in the lungs and release it to the tissues.

Therefore, the correct answer is D. An increase in bicarbonate relative to all other molecules in the blood would increase the oxygen affinity of hemoglobin by binding with free protons.

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