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Question #46351
The Question
Consider the physiological adaptations of a person who has been living at a high altitude (e.g., 4,500 meters) for several months. Which of the following statements regarding their erythrocyte gas transport and related compensatory mechanisms is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
The juxtaglomerular cells of the kidney release erythropoietin in response to hypoxia, increasing the total erythrocyte count.
- B.
The oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve shifts to the right, indicating a decreased binding affinity of haemoglobin for oxygen.
- C.
The increased pCO2 and H+ concentration in the systemic tissues facilitate the dissociation of oxygen from oxyhaemoglobin, a phenomenon known as the Haldane effect.
- D.
The breathing rate is chronically elevated to compensate for the lower partial pressure of oxygen in the atmospheric air.
Check Your Answer
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
Hemoglobin|Bohr_Effect|CO2_Concentration
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Distinguishing between the Bohr effect (how CO2/H+ affects O2 affinity in tissues) and the Haldane effect (how O2 affects CO2 affinity in lungs).
Common Misconception: Students often memorize that both effects relate to gas exchange but confuse which gas drives the unloading of the other.
Additionally, students often mistakenly believe high altitude causes a 'left shift' to grab more oxygen from the thin air, whereas NCERT explicitly states it 'decreases binding affinity' (right shift) to ensure survival by prioritizing oxygen unloading at the oxygen-starved tissues.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Body Fluids and Circulation - Class 11 |
| Concept | Erythrocyte Lifecycle and Location |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |