AEMCA Practice Exam

What is the Haldane effect associated with?

1. The affinity of carbon dioxide to hemoglobin

2. The effect of high temperatures on oxygen delivery

3. The relation of blood pH to perfusion rate

4. The increase of oxygen saturation during exercise

The correct answer is: The affinity of carbon dioxide to hemoglobin

The Haldane effect refers specifically to the property of hemoglobin concerning carbon dioxide transport in the blood. In essence, it describes how the deoxygenation of blood enhances its ability to carry carbon dioxide. When hemoglobin releases oxygen, it changes shape and becomes more conducive to binding with carbon dioxide. This physiological phenomenon is critical because it helps facilitate the removal of carbon dioxide from metabolically active tissues and ensures efficient gas exchange in the lungs. This concept emphasizes the cooperative nature of hemoglobin's binding properties: as oxygen is released, carbon dioxide binding is favored, which is especially beneficial in areas where carbon dioxide concentration is high due to cellular respiration. This dynamic allows for efficient transport and exchange of gases based on the varying states of oxygenation and carbon dioxide presence. Other potential answers refer to different physiological concepts unrelated to the nature of hemoglobin's relationship with carbon dioxide, further clarifying the specificity of the Haldane effect in the context of respiratory physiology and gas exchange.