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Fetal Hemoglobin quiz

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  • What are the subunit compositions of fetal hemoglobin (FHB) and adult hemoglobin?
    Fetal hemoglobin has 2 alpha and 2 gamma subunits, while adult hemoglobin has 2 alpha and 2 beta subunits.
  • Why does fetal hemoglobin have a stronger affinity for oxygen than adult hemoglobin?
    Fetal hemoglobin has a lower affinity for BPG, which increases its affinity for oxygen compared to adult hemoglobin.
  • What is the role of BPG in hemoglobin function?
    BPG is a negative heterotrophic allosteric inhibitor that decreases hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen.
  • How does the structure of fetal hemoglobin help the fetus obtain oxygen from the mother?
    The structure gives fetal hemoglobin a higher oxygen affinity, allowing it to extract oxygen from maternal blood.
  • What does a lower dissociation constant (Kd) indicate about hemoglobin's oxygen affinity?
    A lower Kd means a stronger affinity for oxygen.
  • On an oxygen saturation curve, which hemoglobin has a lower Kd, fetal or adult?
    Fetal hemoglobin has a lower Kd than adult hemoglobin.
  • What direction does oxygen flow between maternal and fetal hemoglobin?
    Oxygen flows from maternal oxyhemoglobin to fetal deoxyhemoglobin.
  • Why is it important for fetal hemoglobin to have a higher oxygen affinity?
    A higher oxygen affinity ensures the fetus can efficiently obtain oxygen from the mother's blood.
  • What is the abbreviation for fetal hemoglobin?
    Fetal hemoglobin is abbreviated as FHB.
  • What is the effect of fetal hemoglobin's low affinity for BPG?
    It results in a stronger affinity for oxygen.
  • Which subunit is present in fetal hemoglobin but not in adult hemoglobin?
    The gamma subunit is present in fetal hemoglobin but not in adult hemoglobin.
  • How does the oxygen saturation curve for fetal hemoglobin compare to adult hemoglobin?
    The fetal hemoglobin curve is shifted left, indicating higher oxygen affinity.
  • What does the green curve represent on the oxygen saturation plot?
    The green curve represents fetal hemoglobin.
  • What does the red curve represent on the oxygen saturation plot?
    The red curve represents adult hemoglobin.
  • How does the presence of gamma subunits affect fetal hemoglobin's function?
    Gamma subunits reduce BPG binding, increasing oxygen affinity and facilitating oxygen transfer from mother to fetus.