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Question #46318
The Question
A mountaineer acclimatizing to high-altitude hypoxia (e.g., 4,500 meters) undergoes several compensatory changes in respiratory gas transport. Which of the following statements regarding these physiological adaptations is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
Increased synthesis of 2,3-BPG in erythrocytes shifts the oxygen dissociation curve to the right, increasing the P50 value.
- B.
The rightward shift of the dissociation curve facilitates a higher fractional unloading of oxygen to the peripheral tissues.
- C.
The reduced alveolar pO2 enhances the Haldane effect, promoting a more efficient release of CO2 from carbaminohemoglobin in the lungs.
- D.
The decreased oxygen affinity of hemoglobin presents a physiological trade-off by slightly impairing oxygen loading at the pulmonary capillaries.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Oxyhemoglobin_Dissociation_Curve|Carbonic_Anhydrase|Erythrocyte
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often assume that because the body is struggling to maintain homeostasis at high altitudes, all gas exchange mechanisms (like the Haldane effect) automatically become 'more efficient' to compensate.
However, the Haldane effect is strictly dependent on high pO2 in the lungs to displace CO2.
Low alveolar pO2 at high altitude fundamentally impairs this process, creating a systemic trap where O2 unloading is prioritized at the expense of optimal CO2 clearance.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Breathing and Exchange of Gases - Class 11 |
| Concept | Haldane Effect vs. Bohr Effect |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |