In humans, the embryonic and fetal forms of hemoglobin have a higher affinity for oxygen than that of adults. This is due to
A) nonidentical genes that produce different versions of globins during development.
B) identical genes that generate many copies of the ribosomes needed for fetal globin production.
C) pseudogenes, which interfere with gene expression in adults.
D) the attachment of methyl groups to cytosine following birth, which changes the type of hemoglobin produced.
E) histone proteins changing shape during embryonic development.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The higher affinity for oxygen in embryonic and fetal hemoglobin is due to the production of different versions of globins during development, which are coded by nonidentical genes. This allows for efficient oxygen transfer from the mother's blood to the developing fetus.

In Humans, the Embryonic and Fetal Forms of Hemoglobin Have