How does fetal hemoglobin differ from adult hemoglobin in terms of its oxygen-binding properties?

A Fetal hemoglobin has a lower oxygen-binding affinity than adult hemoglobin
B Fetal hemoglobin has a higher oxygen-binding affinity than adult hemoglobin ✓
C Fetal hemoglobin has the same oxygen-binding affinity as adult hemoglobin
D Fetal hemoglobin is unable to bind oxygen

Explanation

Fetal hemoglobin has a higher oxygen-binding affinity than adult hemoglobin, which allows it to effectively extract oxygen from the mother's bloodstream. This is due to the presence of gamma-globin subunits in fetal hemoglobin, which have a higher affinity for oxygen than the beta-globin subunits found in adult hemoglobin.

Source

Berne and Levy Physiology
Hematology Hematology: Hemoglobin and Oxygen Transport Hematology: Hemoglobin and Oxygen Transport Medium MEDICAL Confidence: high