In: Biology
A fetus obtains its O2 from the maternal circulation via the placenta. The concentration of BPG is the same in adult and fetal RBC, but BPG binds more tightly to adult Hb than to fetal Hb. Explain how this facilitates the transfer of O2 to the fetus
Answer: BPG is a highly anionic compound found in hemoglobin (efficient oxygen transporter). Also it is an allosteric inhibitor of Hb, decreases hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen, . The concentration of BPG is the same in adult and fetal RBC, but BPG binds more tightly to adult Hb than to fetal Hb and facilitates the transfer of O2 to the fetus due to the following: