The type of hemoglobin that has least affinity for 1, 3- Diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) or (2, 3-BPG) is
**Core Concept**
2,3-Bisphosphoglycerate (2,3-BPG) is an organic phosphate that binds to hemoglobin, reducing its affinity for oxygen. This binding causes a conformational change in hemoglobin, resulting in a decrease in oxygen binding affinity. The type of hemoglobin that has the least affinity for 2,3-BPG is crucial for maintaining proper oxygen delivery to tissues.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The type of hemoglobin that has the least affinity for 2,3-BPG is fetal hemoglobin (HbF). Fetal hemoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen than adult hemoglobin (HbA) due to the presence of two gamma-globin chains. This higher affinity for oxygen allows fetal red blood cells to release oxygen to the fetus in the uterus. Additionally, fetal hemoglobin has a lower affinity for 2,3-BPG, which allows it to maintain a higher affinity for oxygen even in the presence of 2,3-BPG.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Adult hemoglobin (HbA) has a moderate affinity for 2,3-BPG, which is higher than that of fetal hemoglobin (HbF).
* **Option B:** Adult hemoglobin (HbA2) is a variant of adult hemoglobin and has a similar affinity for 2,3-BPG as adult hemoglobin (HbA).
* **Option D:** No other type of hemoglobin is known to have a lower affinity for 2,3-BPG than fetal hemoglobin (HbF).
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) has a higher affinity for oxygen than adult hemoglobin (HbA) due to the presence of two gamma-globin chains. This higher affinity for oxygen allows fetal red blood cells to release oxygen to the fetus in the uterus.
**Correct Answer:** C. Fetal hemoglobin (HbF)