The haemoglobin of a human foetus
- has only 2 protein subunits instead of 4
- has a higher affinity for oxygen than that of an adult
- has a lower affinity for oxygen than that of the adult
- its affinity for oxygen is the same as that of an adult.
Answer
(2) has a higher affinity for oxygen than that of an adult
Solution
Foetal haemoglobin (HbF) is a tetramer of 4 polypeptide chains (2α + 2γ), just like adult haemoglobin (2α + 2β).
HbF binds 2, 3-BPG less strongly, so its oxygen dissociation curve lies to the left of the adult curve.
Foetal haemoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen, which allows the foetus to take up oxygen from the maternal blood across the placenta.
Answer: (2)