Why does fetal hemoglobin (Hb F)have an intrinsically greater affinity for O₂ than adult hemoglobin (Hb A)?
A)Hb F has a diminished capacity to bind BPG compared to Hb A.
B)Hb A has more subunits than does Hb F.
C)BPG binds Hb F with greater affinity than it binds Hb A.
D)The pH of fetal blood is lower than the pH of maternal blood.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hb F has a lower affinity for 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (BPG) than Hb A, which allows it to bind oxygen more tightly. BPG is a molecule that stabilizes the deoxygenated form of hemoglobin, decreasing its affinity for oxygen. Since Hb F binds less BPG, it can more readily pick up oxygen from maternal blood.

Why Does Fetal Hemoglobin (Hb F)have an Intrinsically Greater Affinity