Respiratory Centers and Chemoreceptors

What is the main structural difference between Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) and normal adult hemoglobin (HbA)?

HbF has two alpha and two gamma chains, while HbA has two alpha and two beta chains.

Why does Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) have a higher affinity for oxygen compared to normal adult hemoglobin (HbA)?

Due to the presence of a higher concentration of 2,3-BPG in fetal blood.

Why do whales express high amounts of the O2 carrier protein myoglobin in their muscle tissues?

To increase their aerobic diving capacity.

Which factor influences the shift of the Fetal hemoglobin dissociation curve to the left?

Higher levels of 2,3-DPG in maternal blood. Signup and view all the answers

How does 2,3-BPG affect the binding affinity of oxygen to hemoglobin?

It binds more strongly to adult hemoglobin, causing it to release more oxygen. Signup and view all the answers

What role does Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) play in oxygen delivery to tissues?

It delivers bound oxygen to tissues with lower partial pressures for release. Signup and view all the answers

Why does maternal hemoglobin release more oxygen for uptake by the fetus?

Due to the presence of a lower concentration of 2,3-BPG in maternal blood. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the higher concentration of 2,3-BPG in maternal blood have on oxygen transport?

Increases the amount of oxygen released by maternal hemoglobin for fetal uptake. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) have a higher affinity for oxygen than normal adult hemoglobin (HbA)?

Presence of gamma chains in HbF Signup and view all the answers

What structural feature of Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) leads to its left-shifted dissociation curve?

More gamma chains in HbF Signup and view all the answers

How does the presence of 2,3-BPG in maternal blood impact oxygen transport to the fetus?

It increases the release of oxygen from maternal hemoglobin Signup and view all the answers

Why do whales with high myoglobin expression in muscle tissues have an increased aerobic diving capacity?

Myoglobin enhances oxygen storage in whale tissues Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to the higher affinity for oxygen in Fetal hemoglobin at lower partial pressures?

Increased concentration of 2,3-BPG in Fetal hemoglobin Signup and view all the answers

How does the presence of 2,3-BPG affect the binding of oxygen to maternal hemoglobin?

It decreases oxygen binding to maternal hemoglobin Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of 2,3-BPG in oxygen transport across the placenta?

Enhances the release of oxygen from fetal hemoglobin Signup and view all the answers

Why does Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) deliver bound oxygen to tissues with lower partial pressures?

To ensure adequate oxygen supply to fetal tissues with lower oxygen levels Signup and view all the answers

What structural difference between Fetal hemoglobin and normal adult hemoglobin contributes to higher fetal arterial oxygen pressures?

Increased number of gamma chains in Fetal hemoglobin Signup and view all the answers

In what way does myoglobin expression in whale muscle tissues differ from the function of HbF and HbA?

Myoglobin enhances oxygen storage unlike HbF and HbA Signup and view all the answers