How does the body's reaction to high acidity affect haemoglobin's function?

The body's reaction to high acidity, typically occurring as a result of increased carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, leads to a physiological response known as the Bohr effect. Under conditions of high acidity (low pH), hemoglobin's structure is altered, resulting in a decreased affinity for oxygen. This physiological mechanism is crucial because it enables more oxygen to be released in tissues where it is needed most, such as actively metabolizing tissues that produce more CO2 and protons, leading to a lower pH.

When the acidity in the blood increases, hemoglobin's ability to bind oxygen diminishes, facilitating oxygen unloading to the cells. As a result, instead of retaining oxygen, hemoglobin releases it more readily, which is advantageous during strenuous activity or in conditions where the body's demand for oxygen is heightened. Therefore, in the context of high acidity, hemoglobin's oxygen binding affinity is decreased, allowing for efficient oxygen delivery to tissues that are metabolizing rapidly.