Fetal hemoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen than does adult hemoglobin.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Fetal hemoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen due to differences in the amino acid composition of the hemoglobin subunits, allowing it to extract oxygen from maternal blood more effectively. This is important since the developing fetus cannot yet breathe on its own and relies on oxygen from the mother's circulation.

Fetal Hemoglobin Has a Higher Affinity for Oxygen Than Does