What does the acronym "CADET" stand for in the context of factors influencing the oxygen dissociation curve?

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The acronym "CADET" refers to the factors that influence the oxygen dissociation curve of hemoglobin. The meaning of each component in this acronym is crucial for understanding how oxygen is released from hemoglobin in various physiological conditions.

  • Carbon dioxide (CO2): Increased levels of CO2 in the blood enhance the release of oxygen from hemoglobin, a phenomenon known as the Bohr effect. This occurs because CO2 raises the acidity of the blood, which impacts the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen.
  • Acidity (pH): A decrease in blood pH (an increase in acidity) also facilitates oxygen release from hemoglobin. The increased concentration of hydrogen ions decreases hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen, promoting oxygen unloading in metabolically active tissues where lactic acid and CO2 are produced.

  • 2,3-DPG (2,3-diphosphoglycerate): This metabolite, produced in red blood cells during glycolysis, shifts the oxygen dissociation curve to the right. Increased levels of 2,3-DPG decrease hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen, which assists in oxygen release, especially under conditions of hypoxia or increased demand.

  • Exercise: During exercise, the body's demand

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