Answer: b) Oxygen saturation
The O2-affinity of the blood refers to the ability of hemoglobin to bind oxygen, which is affected by factors such as pH, temperature, and the presence of other molecules like carbon dioxide. Mitochondrial respiratory capacity, on the other hand, refers to the ability of the mitochondria to produce energy through the process of cellular respiration. Both of these factors play important roles in regulating the amount of oxygen that is available to the body's tissues.
Of the options presented, oxygen saturation is the best indicator of the O2-affinity of the blood, as it measures the percentage of hemoglobin that is saturated with oxygen. This value is influenced by factors such as pulmonary ventilation, perfusion, and the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. In contrast, hemoglobin concentration (option a) is not directly related to the O2-affinity of the blood, as it simply reflects the number of hemoglobin molecules present in the blood. Similarly, the ateriovenous oxygen difference (option c) and P50 (option d) are not direct indicators of the O2-affinity of the blood.
Therefore, the correct answer is b) Oxygen saturation.
Step-by-step explanation: