The haemoglobin of a human foetus
Correct answer: B. has a higher affinity for oxygen that that of an adult
- A. has only 2 protein subunits instead of 4
- B. has a higher affinity for oxygen that that of an adult
- C. has a lower affinity for oxygen than that of the adult
- D. its affinity for oxygen is the same as that of an adult.
Explanation
A. The hemoglobin of a human fetus has only 2 protein subunits instead of 4: This statement is not accurate. Hemoglobin, in both fetuses and adults, consists of four protein subunits. The structure of hemoglobin remains consistent in this regard. B. The hemoglobin of a human fetus has a higher affinity for oxygen than that of an adult:This statement is accurate. Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) has a higher affinity for oxygen than adult hemoglobin (HbA). This higher affinity allows fetal hemoglobin to effectively extract oxygen from the mother's bloodstream, where the oxygen concentration is lower, and deliver it to the developing fetus. C. The hemoglobin of a human fetus has a lower affinity for oxygen than that of an adult:This statement is not accurate. As mentioned earlier, fetal hemoglobin actually has a higher affinity for oxygen compared to adult hemoglobin. D. Its affinity for oxygen is the same as that of an adult:This statement is not accurate. Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) and adult hemoglobin (HbA) have different oxygen affinities, with HbF having a higher affinity for oxygen. Correct Option: B. The hemoglobin of a human fetus has a higher affinity for oxygen than that of an adult. Summary: The correct option is B, which accurately states that fetal hemoglobin (HbF) has a higher affinity for oxygen compared to adult hemoglobin (HbA). This difference in oxygen affinity helps facilitate the efficient transfer of oxygen from the mother's bloodstream to the developing fetus during pregnancy. The other options either present inaccurate information or claim that the affinity for oxygen is the same in fetal and adult hemoglobin.
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The human respiratory system includes the air passages, lungs, alveoli and breathing muscles, while gaseous exchange explains how oxygen enters blood and carbon dioxide leaves it by diffusion. The effects of smoking include damage to cilia and alveoli, reduced gas exchange, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and increased risk of lung cancer.
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