under the same conditions. Fetal erythrocytes contain a structural variant of hemoglobin, HbF, consisting of two a and two y subunits (a272), whereas maternal erythrocytes contain HbA (α₂ß₂). 1.0 0 0.5 2 HbF +BPG HbA +BPG 4 6 pO₂ (kPa) 8 10 (a) Which hemoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen under physiological conditions, HbA or HbF? Explain. (b) What is the physiological significance of the different Og affinities? (c) When all the BPG is carefully removed from samples of HbA and HbF, the measured O₂-saturation curves (and consequently the O₂ affinities) are displaced to the left. However, HbA now has a greater affinity for oxygen than does HbF. When BPG is reintroduced, the O₂-saturation curves return to normal, as shown in the graph. What is the effect of BPG on the O₂ affinity of hemoglobin? How can the above information be used to explain the different O₂ affinities of fetal and materna hemoglobin?

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
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Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
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Comparison of Fetal and Maternal Hemoglobins Studies of oxygen transport in pregnant mammals
show that the O₂-saturation curves of fetal and maternal blood are markedly different when measured
under the same conditions. Fetal erythrocytes contain a structural variant of hemoglobin, HbF, consisting
of two a and two y subunits (a272), whereas maternal erythrocytes contain HbA (α₂ß₂).
1.0
(b)
(c)
0 0.5
0
2
HbF
+BPG
HbA
+BPG
4
6
po₂ (kPa)
1
8
10
(a) Which hemoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen under physiological conditions, HbA or HbF?
Explain.
What is the physiological significance of the different O₂ affinities?
When all the BPG is carefully removed from samples of HbA and HbF, the measured O₂-saturation
curves (and consequently the O₂ affinities) are displaced to the left. However, HbA now has a
greater affinity for oxygen than does HbF. When BPG is reintroduced, the O₂-saturation curves
return to normal, as shown in the graph. What is the effect of BPG on the O₂ affinity of hemoglobin?
How can the above information be used to explain the different O₂ affinities of fetal and maternal
hemoglobin?
Transcribed Image Text:Comparison of Fetal and Maternal Hemoglobins Studies of oxygen transport in pregnant mammals show that the O₂-saturation curves of fetal and maternal blood are markedly different when measured under the same conditions. Fetal erythrocytes contain a structural variant of hemoglobin, HbF, consisting of two a and two y subunits (a272), whereas maternal erythrocytes contain HbA (α₂ß₂). 1.0 (b) (c) 0 0.5 0 2 HbF +BPG HbA +BPG 4 6 po₂ (kPa) 1 8 10 (a) Which hemoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen under physiological conditions, HbA or HbF? Explain. What is the physiological significance of the different O₂ affinities? When all the BPG is carefully removed from samples of HbA and HbF, the measured O₂-saturation curves (and consequently the O₂ affinities) are displaced to the left. However, HbA now has a greater affinity for oxygen than does HbF. When BPG is reintroduced, the O₂-saturation curves return to normal, as shown in the graph. What is the effect of BPG on the O₂ affinity of hemoglobin? How can the above information be used to explain the different O₂ affinities of fetal and maternal hemoglobin?
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