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Bohr Effect

The Bohr Effect is an adaptation in animals to release oxygen in the oxygen starved tissues in capillaries where respiratory carbon dioxide lowers blood pH. When blood pH decreases, the ability of hemoglobin to bind to oxygen decreases. Hemoglobin binds to oxygen in the oxygen-rich atmosphere of the lungs, and releases it in the oxygen-poor environment of the tissues.

The primary function of hemoglobin is to carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues. The Bohr Effect aids in this function by releasing oxygen to the tissues when the concentration of hydrogen ions becomes large. At low pH the Bohr Effect allows the blood to unload oxygen for use by the muscles. Therefore, the Bohr Effect is necessary for the body to function.

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