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!

AB
Answered by Amber B. Biology tutor

4615 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the process of oxidative phosphorylation


Describe briefly the role of tRNA and mRNA in the translation process


Describe the process of transcription


A bacterial infection that cannot be treated with one sort of penicillin can be treated with a different sort. Use your knowledge of enzyme action to explain why the different sort of penicillin is effective in treating the infection.


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