Which of the following will shift the reaction shown below to the right?
HHb + O₂
HbO₂^- + H⁺

Question

Which of the following will shift the reaction shown below to the right? HHb + O₂ HbO₂^- + H⁺

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This reaction is a representation of the binding of oxygen to hemoglobin. In general, a higher pH (more basic) will shift the reaction to the right, meaning more oxygen will bind to hemoglobin. This is because oxygen binding to hemoglobin releases protons (H+), so at a higher pH there are fewer protons available to compete with oxygen for binding sites on hemoglobin. Decreasing the partial pressure of oxygen (Option B) would actually shift the reaction to the left, as there would be less oxygen available to bind to hemoglobin. A lower pH (more acidic) (Option C) would also shift the reaction to the left, as lower pH means more protons available to compete with oxygen for binding to hemoglobin. Therefore, only answer A is correct.

Which of the Following Will Shift the Reaction Shown Below