Campbell Biology (12th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0135188741
ISBN 13: 978-0-13518-874-3

Chapter 42 - Test Your Understanding - Levels 5-6 - Evaluating/Creating - Page 951: 10

Answer

Fetal hemoglobin has more oxygen affinity than adult hemoglobin.

Work Step by Step

Since a fetus in utero is dependent on the circulation of blood from the placenta for gas exchange, its hemoglobin must be able to pull oxygen from maternal blood effectively. This is only possible when the maternal hemoglobin’s oxygen affinity is lower than the fetal hemoglobin’s oxygen affinity.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.

GradeSaver will pay $15 for your literature essays
GradeSaver will pay $25 for your college application essays
GradeSaver will pay $50 for your graduate school essays – Law, Business, or Medical
GradeSaver will pay $10 for your Community Note contributions
GradeSaver will pay $500 for your Textbook Answer contributions