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The haemoglobin of a human foetus [2008]
  • a)
    has a lower affinity for oxygen than that of the adult
  • b)
    its affinity for oxygen is the same as that of an adult
  • c)
    has only 2 protein subunits instead of 4
  • d)
    has a higher affinity for oxygen than that of an adult 
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
The haemoglobin of a human foetus [2008]a)has a lower affinity for oxy...
The haemoglobin of a human foetus has a higher affinity for oxygen than that of an adult. Haemoglobin is a group of globlar proteins occurring widely in animal as oxygen carriers in blood. 
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Most Upvoted Answer
The haemoglobin of a human foetus [2008]a)has a lower affinity for oxy...
Foetal Haemoglobin Affinity for Oxygen

Foetal haemoglobin differs from adult haemoglobin in several ways. One of the most significant differences is its affinity for oxygen.

Higher Affinity for Oxygen

Foetal haemoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen than adult haemoglobin. This is because it has a different structure that allows it to bind more tightly to oxygen molecules. The foetal haemoglobin must be able to extract oxygen from the mother's bloodstream efficiently, and a higher affinity for oxygen helps it do this.

Lower Affinity for 2,3-BPG

Another reason why foetal haemoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen is that it has a lower affinity for 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (2,3-BPG). 2,3-BPG is a molecule that binds to adult haemoglobin and decreases its affinity for oxygen. However, foetal haemoglobin does not bind to 2,3-BPG as strongly, which allows it to hold onto oxygen more tightly.

Only 2 Protein Subunits

Foetal haemoglobin also differs from adult haemoglobin in that it has only 2 protein subunits instead of 4. The foetal haemoglobin subunits are similar to the adult subunits, but they are produced by different genes. The foetal subunits are gradually replaced by the adult subunits shortly after birth.

Conclusion

In summary, foetal haemoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen than adult haemoglobin. This is due to its different structure, which allows it to bind more tightly to oxygen molecules. Foetal haemoglobin also has a lower affinity for 2,3-BPG, which further enhances its ability to extract oxygen from the mother's bloodstream.
Community Answer
The haemoglobin of a human foetus [2008]a)has a lower affinity for oxy...
Foetal haemoglobin contains 2-alpha and 2- gamma subunits as compared to an adult haemoglobin which contains 2-alpha and 2-beta subunits. Therefore foetal haemoglobin can bind 30% more oxygen with it.
Moreover amount of 2,3- Bisphosphoglycolate is also low in an infant which inhibits the binding of oxygen with haemoglobin.
hope it helps....
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The haemoglobin of a human foetus [2008]a)has a lower affinity for oxygen than that of the adultb)its affinity for oxygen is the same as that of an adultc)has only 2 protein subunits instead of 4d)has a higher affinity for oxygen than that of an adultCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
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