Question

The haemoglobin of a human foetus

(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 sub-units instead of 4

(d) has a higher affinity for oxygen than that of an adult

Answer 1

Correct Option (d) has a higher affinity for oxygen than that of an adult

Explanation:

Haemoglobin is the protein that makes red blood corpuscles appear red, binds easily and reversibly with oxygen. Normal values for haemoglobin are 14-20 g/100 mL of blood in infants, 13-18 g/100 mL in adult male and 12-16 g/100 mL in adult females. Foetal red blood cells are not sickle-shaped even in that destined to have sickle-cell anaemia, i.e., haemoglobin of foetus has higher affinity of oxygen than that an adult.