Answer: Water.
- A Oxygen
- B Sodium
- C Water
- D Plasma protein
Correct answer: C. Water
Explanation: Carbonic anhydrase in erythrocytes rapidly catalyses the reaction of CO<sub>2</sub> with water to form carbonic acid, which dissociates into H<sup>+</sup> and HCO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup>.
The S-shaped (sigmoid) curve reflects cooperative binding between Hb's four O₂ sites; the Bohr effect shifts the whole curve to the right under conditions found in actively respiring tissue (more CO₂, more acid, more heat), making haemoglobin release oxygen more readily exactly where it's needed.
Concept context
The mechanics of breathing, lung volumes, gas transport in blood, the Bohr effect, and respiratory regulation.