Question

Foetal haemoglobin has X affinity for oxygen than that of mother's haemoglobin during gestation. X is

• A. same
• B. higher
• C. lower
• D. lower affinity earlier but higher later.

Answer 1

The correct option is B higher

Fetal haemoglobin is the main oxygen transport carrier in human fetus during the last seven months of development in the uterus and persists in the newborn until it is about 6 months old. Functionally, fetal haemoglobin has a higher affinity to bind with oxygen molecules than the adult (or maternal) haemoglobin, giving the developing fetus better access to oxygen from the mother's blood stream.