Question

The binding of oxygen by hemoglobin (abbreviated Hb), giving oxyhemoglobin (HbO₂) is partially regulated by the concentration of H⁺ and CO₂ in the blood. Although the equilibrium is rather complicated it can be summarized as

            HbO₂   + H⁺   +   CO_{2    <---->}     CO₂HbH⁺ + O₂ .

According to Le Chatelier's principle what would be the effect of each of the following on the equilibrium

(a)   The production of lactic acid (contains H⁺) and CO₂ in a muscle during exercise.

(b)   Inhaling fresh oxygen enriched air

Answer 1

a)

If you produce lactic acid, the H+ and CO2 concentrations will rise. According to lEChatelier principle, if you increase the reactant's concentration, the euqilibrium will shift to the products (increase in products)

b)

If you inhale oxygen, your lungs will pass O2 to the blood, enriching (increasing) the concentration of O2 in the blood. Therefore, according to the principle, the increase in concnetration of O2 will shift the equilibrium to the reactants (reactants concentratino increases).