The Bohr Effect
- Another regulatory mechanism in hemoglobin is the Bohr effect. This is the effect of pH
on the binding affinity of oxygen
- The mechanism consists of the protonation of several groups in hemoglobin at low pH. The
resulting positive charges of these groups creates salt bridges that stabilize the molecule in
the deoxygenated (T) state
- The lower pH in tissues is a natural consequence of respiration, and so the Bohr effect
helps to promote the unloading of oxygen where it is most needed