In: Biology
With an increased level of ____ it becomes possible to compensate for high altitude or low blood hemoglobin concentration: select one: a. immunoglobin b. 2,3-DPG c. heparin d. creatine kinase e. bicarbonate
The ease with which haemoglobin releases oxygen to the tissues is controlled by erythrocytic 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) such that an increase in the concentration of 2,3-DPG decreases oxygen affinity and vice versa.
In high-altitude conditions, only oxygen enrichment can
counteract the effects of hypoxia. By increasing the concentration
of oxygen in the air, the effects of lower barometric pressure are
countered and the level of arterial pO
2 is restored toward normal capacity. A small amount of
supplemental oxygen reduces the equivalent altitude in
climate-controlled rooms.
Oxygen concentrators are uniquely suited for this purpose. They require little maintenance and electricity, provide a constant source of oxygen, and eliminate the expensive, and often dangerous, task of transporting oxygen cylinders to remote areas