High altitude adaptation is a complex physiological process that involves an increase in both the number of Hb molecules per erythrocyte and the total number of erythrocytes. It normally requires several weeks to complete. However, even after one day at high altitude, there is a significant degree of adaptation. This effect results from a rapid increase in the erythrocyte BPG concentration.

a. Try to do this without looking at the graphs. If oxygen-binding curves for both high altitude adapted hemoglobin and normal, unadapted Hb were plotted together, would the curve for high altitude adapted Hb be to the left of, to the right of or the same as the curve for unadapted Hb? Explain.
b. Is the oxygen binding affinity of high-altitude adapted Hb higher, lower, or the same as that of unadapted Hb? Explain.

The oxygen-adsorption curve of the elevated high altitude modified the hemoglobin and this will move to the right because there is a reduced amount of oxygen available at high altitude, as well as an increase in carbon dioxide and H+ ion concentration, temperature, and all of which raise pH and shifts the curve towards the right.

b.

As there is a low relative partial pressure of oxygen at high altitude, the oxygen-binding attraction of high altitude adaptable hemoglobin is greater and higher than that of unadapted hemoglobin under pulmonary oxygen loading. This is important to optimize the oxygen concentration levels in blood circulation and blood tissues.