Why is fetal hemoglobin very efficient at picking up oxygen?

A) The BPG levels are much higher than in maternal hemoglobin.
B) The fetal oxygen-dissociation curve is to the right of the maternal oxygen-dissociation curve.
C) The concentration of fetal hemoglobin is 10% greater than the concentration of maternal hemoglobin.
D) The fetal oxygen-dissociation curve is to the left of the maternal oxygen-dissociation curve.

Fetal Hemoglobin

A type of hemoglobin found in fetuses that has a higher affinity for oxygen than adult hemoglobin.

Oxygen-Dissociation Curve

A graphical representation showing the relationship between the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin and the partial pressure of oxygen, important for understanding oxygen transport in blood.

BPG Levels

Refers to the concentration of 2,3-Bisphosphoglycerate, a compound that affects oxygen binding and release from hemoglobin, thereby influencing oxygen delivery to tissues.