When a person exercises, muscle tissue produces both fixed acids (lactic acid) and volatile acids (CO2). In terms of the binding of oxygen to hemoglobin, how might this mild acidosis be beneficial to the person?
Select one:
a. Under acidic conditions the oxygen binds to hemoglobin more tightly so that it is not lost as the blood passes through the lung (i.e., physiological respiration)
b. Under these conditions there is a right shift of the oxygen dissociation curve, allowing the tissue easier access to the oxygen carried by the hemoglobin
c. Acidosis leads to more rapid respiration (hyperventilation)
d. The premise of the question in incorrect; even mild acidosis is harmful to the patient, under most circumstances