If fetal haemoglobin is so good at binding oxygen, why aren't we adapted to keep it until adulthood?

Firstly, although fetal haemoglobin is better at binding oxygen, it is also worse at giving up oxygen to the tissues which need it. Secondly, if adults had haemoglobin with the same affinity for oxygen as fetuses, the oxygen would be too tightly bound to the haemoglobin in the mother's blood to transfer to the fetus!

Answered by Amber B. Biology tutor

3418 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain how an impulse is transmitted between nerve cells.


Differentiate between a prokaryotic and a eukaryotic cell.


Describe how fertiliser run-off can cause damage to a lake's ecosystem.


What is transpiration?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy