Respiratory physiology: oxygen dissociation curve: practice question

A Physiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Physiology · Respiratory physiology: oxygen dissociation curve

Sample item

Which change shifts the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve to the right?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Increased temperature

Higher temperature, carbon dioxide, hydrogen ion concentration, and 2,3-BPG reduce hemoglobin oxygen affinity and shift the curve right, facilitating tissue oxygen unloading.

Option by option

  • A. Decreased 2,3-BPG

    Lower 2,3-BPG increases oxygen affinity and shifts left.

  • B. Increased pH

    Higher pH shifts the curve left.

  • C. Increased temperature (correct)

    Correct. Heat promotes oxygen release to metabolically active tissues.

  • D. Decreased carbon dioxide

    Lower carbon dioxide shifts the curve left.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is C, Increased temperature. Higher temperature, carbon dioxide, hydrogen ion concentration, and 2,3-BPG reduce hemoglobin oxygen affinity and shift the curve right, facilitating tissue oxygen unloading.

Why is "Decreased 2,3-BPG" not the answer?

Lower 2,3-BPG increases oxygen affinity and shifts left.

Why is "Increased pH" not the answer?

Higher pH shifts the curve left.

Why is "Decreased carbon dioxide" not the answer?

Lower carbon dioxide shifts the curve left.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Respiratory physiology: oxygen dissociation curve in Physiology. The correct option holds because: Correct. Heat promotes oxygen release to metabolically active tissues.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Respiratory physiology: oxygen dissociation curve?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.