Question

5) The binding of oxygen to 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 follows: HbO2 + H+ + CO2 ↔ 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

According to Le Chatlier's principle, Change in amount of a factor that affect equilibrium, the equilibrium position is shifted in that direction that reduce the effect of cahnged factor.

Hence,

(a) The production of Lactic acid and CO₂ in a muscle during exercise, increases the concentration of reactants, thus the equilibrium shifts in a direction that consume the increased concentration.

Hence, Equilibrium shifts towards farword direction.

(b) Inhalation oxygen enriched air increase the concentration of products, thus,

Equilibrium shifts towards the backward direction.