Final Answer:
Increased 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (BPG) levels lead to a decreased affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. This results in the release of less oxygen to tissues, as illustrated by the rightward shift in the oxygen dissociation curve. Thus the option A. releases less oxygen to tissues is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
When 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (BPG) levels increase, hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen decreases. This is due to the fact that BPG binds to hemoglobin and stabilizes the T-state, making it harder for oxygen to bind to hemoglobin. The oxygen dissociation curve illustrates this phenomenon. As BPG levels rise, the curve shifts to the right, indicating decreased oxygen affinity. Therefore, option A is correct.
Hemoglobin's oxygen binding and releasing behavior is influenced by various factors, including BPG concentration. In the tissues, where oxygen delivery is crucial, increased BPG levels lead to reduced oxygen binding by hemoglobin. BPG competes with oxygen for binding sites on hemoglobin, and as BPG concentration rises, it promotes the release of oxygen from hemoglobin. This is a crucial adaptive mechanism ensuring that oxygen is readily delivered to tissues during conditions such as hypoxia.
The molecular basis for this phenomenon lies in the allosteric nature of hemoglobin. As BPG binds to the central cavity of deoxygenated hemoglobin, it stabilizes the T-state, making it energetically favorable for oxygen to be released. Understanding the interplay between BPG and hemoglobin is essential in comprehending oxygen transport and delivery in the human body, particularly in scenarios where oxygen demand is high, such as during physical exertion or in tissues with low oxygen levels. Thus the option A. releases less oxygen to tissues is correct.