Why is fetal hemoglobin very efficient at picking up oxygen?
A) The BPG levels are much higher than in maternal hemoglobin.
B) The fetal oxygen-dissociation curve is to the right of the maternal oxygen-dissociation curve.
C) The concentration of fetal hemoglobin is 10% greater than the concentration of maternal hemoglobin.
D) The fetal oxygen-dissociation curve is to the left of the maternal oxygen-dissociation curve.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fetal hemoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen than adult hemoglobin, which is represented by its oxygen-dissociation curve being to the left of the maternal curve. This allows the fetus to effectively extract oxygen from maternal blood across the placenta.

Why Is Fetal Hemoglobin Very Efficient at Picking Up Oxygen