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 conditions of acidosis, fever, and acclimatization to a high altitude. Anemia does not necessarily decrease the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen, but results in less hemoglobin to carry the oxygen. Therefore, the correct answer is e. all of these (A, B, and D).

Step-by-step solution

Review each option and its effect on hemoglobin affinity for oxygen

Let's go through each option provided and see how it affects the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. a. Acidosis - Acidosis is a condition where there is an excess of acid in the blood, leading to a lower pH. Lower pH increases the concentration of hydrogen ions, which bind to hemoglobin and decrease its affinity for oxygen. This phenomenon is known as the Bohr effect. b. Fever - Fever raises the body temperature, and increased temperature decreases the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. This is because the higher temperature causes structural changes in the hemoglobin molecule, which makes it release more oxygen to the tissues. c. Anemia - Anemia is a condition where the blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin. Anemia does not necessarily decrease the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. Instead, it simply means there is less hemoglobin to carry oxygen in the blood. The remaining hemoglobin in the body should still have its regular affinity for oxygen. d. Acclimatization to a high altitude - Acclimatization to high altitude involves an increase in the production of 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (2,3-BPG) in red blood cells. 2,3-BPG binds to hemoglobin, decreasing its affinity for oxygen, and promoting oxygen release to the tissues, which is crucial at high altitudes where oxygen availability is reduced.

Identify the correct choice

Based on the analysis, we can conclude that the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen is decreased under conditions of: - Acidosis (option A) - Fever (option B) - Acclimatization to a high altitude (option D) Anemia (option C) doesn't necessarily decrease the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. So, the correct answer is e. all of these (A, B, and D).