What is the significance of the difference in oxygen binding affinity between fetal hemoglobin and adult hemoglobin?
A
Fetal hemoglobin has a lower oxygen binding affinity, allowing it to release oxygen more easily
B
Adult hemoglobin has a higher oxygen binding affinity, allowing it to bind oxygen more tightly
C
Fetal hemoglobin has a higher oxygen binding affinity, allowing it to extract oxygen from the mother's bloodstream
✓
D
Adult hemoglobin has a lower oxygen binding affinity, allowing it to release oxygen more easily
Explanation
Fetal hemoglobin has a higher oxygen binding affinity than adult hemoglobin, which allows it to extract oxygen from the mother's bloodstream and supply it to the fetus.
Source
Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology
Hematology
Hematology: Hemoglobin and Oxygen Transport
Hematology: Hemoglobin and Oxygen Transport
Medium
MEDICAL
Confidence: high