Bohr Effect

The Bohr effect is a microbiological phenomenon first described in 1904 by the Danish physiologist Christian Bohr (father of physicist Niels Bohr), stating that hemoglobin's oxygen binding affinity is inversely related both to acidity and to the concentration of carbon dioxide. That is to say, a decrease in blood pH or an increase in blood CO2 concentration will result in hemoglobin proteins releasing their loads of oxygen and a decrease in carbon dioxide or increase in pH will result in hemoglobin picking up more oxygen. Since carbon dioxide reacts with water to form carbonic acid, an increase in CO2 results in a decrease in blood pH.

Read more about Bohr Effect:  Mechanism, Physiological Role, Effects of Cooperativity

Famous quotes containing the words bohr and/or effect:

    An expert is a man who has made all the mistakes which can be made in a very narrow field.
    —Niels Bohr (1885–1962)

    Let’s take the instant by the forward top;
    For we are old, and on our quick’st decrees
    Th’ inaudible and noiseless foot of time
    Steals ere we can effect them.
    William Shakespeare (1564–1616)