In humans, the urge to breathe result from high concentration of O2 in the blood; there are no direct physiological sensors of blood pO2. Skindivers often hyperventilate (breathe rapidly and deeply for several minutes) just before making a dive in the belief that this will increase the O2 content in their blood.

 

a. Does it do so?

b. Use your knowledge of hemoglobin function and the Bohr effect to evaluate whether this practis is useful.

Is this a homework question, tman?

Yes... I was looking at the Oxygen Dissociation Curve to see if I can come up with an answer... but I don't understand the curve too well and I guess that is what I am stuck!

what do you know about the bohr effect?

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

You overlook the second important function of red blood cells. What other gas plays a role?