Changes

The Bohr effect facilitates the release of oxygen in the tissues, particularly in tissues with the highest metabolic demand. When a tissue's metabolic rate increases, so does its CO2 production. When released into the bloodstream, CO2 forms bicarbonate and protons—facilitated by carbonic anhydrase present in RBCs—causing the pH to decrease and promoting release of O2 from Hgb.

The Bohr effect facilitates the release of oxygen in the tissues, particularly in tissues with the highest metabolic demand. When a tissue's metabolic rate increases, so does its CO2 production. When released into the bloodstream, CO2 forms bicarbonate and protons—facilitated by carbonic anhydrase present in RBCs—causing the pH to decrease and promoting release of O2 from Hgb. Under anaerobic conditions, muscles generate lactic acid so quickly that pH of the blood passing through the muscles will drop to around 7.2, which causes Hgb to begin releasing roughly 10% more oxygen.