4:59 804 d2l.laurentian.ca Quiz 3 0:11:18 elapsed The most important factor in determining the percent oxygen saturation of haemoglobin (= hemoglobin) is a) BPG b) acidity c) the partial pressure of oxygen d) temperature e) the partial pressure of carbon dioxide Question 17 (1 point)

The most important factor in determining the percent oxygen saturation of hemoglobin is the partial pressure of oxygen (pO2). As the pO2 increases, hemoglobin binds to oxygen more efficiently, leading to higher saturation levels. This relationship is crucial for understanding how oxygen is transported in the body, especially in high-altitude environments where pO2 is lower. In addition to pO2, factors like temperature and pH can influence hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen, a phenomenon known as the Bohr effect. If you’re looking to ace your quiz, remember that elevated temperatures and decreased pH (more acidic conditions) can reduce hemoglobin’s oxygen binding capacity, helping the body release oxygen more readily in metabolically active tissues.