Why does fetal haemoglobin have a higher affinity for oxygen than an adult haemoglobin?

In order to survive. By the time the blood reaches the placenta there is a lower concentration of oxygen in the blood, the fetal haemoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen so that the hb can bind to oxygen at the lower partial pressures of oxygen in the mothers blood. Hence to facilitate the transfer of oxygen from the mothers blood and to the developing fetus.   

ES
Answered by Eden S. Biology tutor

42496 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How is RNA different to DNA?


Tom is an expactant father who is worried that he will pass on his Haemophilia A, an X linked recessive disease, to his offspring. The mother is homozygous dominant. Explain why his 1st generation offspring will not be affected by the condition.


What does sex linkage mean?


What is the refractory period of a nerve action potential?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning