In the plateau region of the O₂-Hb curve, a large decrease in PO₂ results in a small decrease in Hb saturation, whereas in the steep portion of the curve, a small decrease in PO₂ results in a large decrease in percent Hb saturation.

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This statement is true. The plateau region of the O₂-Hb curve represents the saturation of Hb with O₂ at high PO₂ levels. Since Hb is already almost fully saturated at these high PO₂ levels, a large decrease in PO₂ will only cause a small decrease in percent Hb saturation. In contrast, the steep portion of the curve represents the saturation of Hb with O₂ at low PO₂ levels, where small changes in PO₂ can significantly affect the percent Hb saturation.

In the Plateau Region of the O₂-Hb Curve, a Large