Question

The affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen is decreased under conditions of a. acidosis. b. fever. c. anemia. d. acclimatization to a high altitude. e. all of these.

Short answer

The affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen is decreased under all the conditions listed: acidosis, fever, anemia (in some cases), and acclimatization to high altitude. Therefore, the correct answer is e. all of these.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding hemoglobin affinity for oxygen

Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. The affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen refers to how readily hemoglobin binds to oxygen molecules. Different factors can affect the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen, making it more difficult or easier for hemoglobin to bind to oxygen.

a. Acidosis

Acidosis is a condition where the blood is more acidic than normal. In this condition, there are more hydrogen ions (H+) in the blood. These hydrogen ions bind to hemoglobin, which decreases its affinity for oxygen. This makes it more difficult for the hemoglobin to bind to and carry oxygen. So, acidosis decreases the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen.

b. Fever

Fever is an abnormally high body temperature, usually caused by an illness. Increased body temperature can affect the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. As the body temperature increases, the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen decreases. This means that hemoglobin releases more oxygen to the tissues, which can be beneficial in helping the body fight infection. Therefore, fever decreases the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen.

c. Anemia

Anemia is a condition in which there are not enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry sufficient oxygen to the body's tissues. Anemia itself does not directly alter the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. However, if the anemia is due to a deficiency in the production of red blood cells or hemoglobin, there may not be enough hemoglobin available to efficiently transport oxygen. In this case, an increased release of oxygen from hemoglobin may be necessary to compensate for the reduced capacity to carry oxygen. As a result, the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen may decrease in some types of anemia.

d. Acclimatization to high altitude

Acclimatization to high altitude is the process by which the body adapts to the reduced partial pressure of oxygen at high altitudes. In response to the lower oxygen levels, the body produces more red blood cells and hemoglobin to help with oxygen transport. At the same time, the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen decreases, allowing for more oxygen to be released to the body's tissues when oxygen levels are low. This helps the body to function more efficiently in low-oxygen environments, such as at high altitudes. Therefore, acclimatization to high altitude decreases the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen.

e. Evaluating all options

We have analyzed each option and concluded that: - Acidosis decreases the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen; - Fever decreases the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen; - Anemia may decrease the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen in some cases; - Acclimatization to high altitude decreases the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. Given that all the conditions listed can decrease the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen, the correct answer is: e. all of these.