A rightward shift of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve indicates what change in oxygen affinity?

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Multiple Choice

A rightward shift of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve indicates what change in oxygen affinity?

A rightward shift of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve shows decreased oxygen affinity. This means that at any given partial pressure of oxygen, hemoglobin carries less O2 and releases it more readily to tissues. In other words, the curve moving to the right indicates Hb has a lower affinity for oxygen, requiring higher PO2 to achieve the same saturation or, equivalently, unloading O2 more easily during tissue metabolism. Factors that promote a right shift—such as increased temperature, higher CO2, lower pH, and increased 2,3-BPG—drive oxygen off the hemoglobin where it’s needed. Therefore, the correct interpretation is decreased oxygen affinity.

A rightward shift of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve shows decreased oxygen affinity. This means that at any given partial pressure of oxygen, hemoglobin carries less O2 and releases it more readily to tissues. In other words, the curve moving to the right indicates Hb has a lower affinity for oxygen, requiring higher PO2 to achieve the same saturation or, equivalently, unloading O2 more easily during tissue metabolism. Factors that promote a right shift—such as increased temperature, higher CO2, lower pH, and increased 2,3-BPG—drive oxygen off the hemoglobin where it’s needed. Therefore, the correct interpretation is decreased oxygen affinity.

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