The p50 of myoglobin is less than the p50 of adult hemoglobin , the affinity of adult hemoglobin for oxygen is

Options

A. is less than myoglobin
B. is more than myoglobin
C. is equal to myoglobin
D. is nil

Answer

To determine the affinity of adult hemoglobin for oxygen in comparison to myoglobin, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Concept of P50**:
- P50 is the partial pressure of oxygen at which hemoglobin or myoglobin is 50% saturated with oxygen. A lower P50 value indicates a higher affinity for oxygen.

2. **Compare P50 Values**:
- The problem states that the P50 of myoglobin is less than the P50 of adult hemoglobin. This means that myoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen than adult hemoglobin.

3. **Implications of Affinity**:
- Since myoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen, it is more effective at storing oxygen in muscle tissues where it is needed during periods of high demand (like exercise).

4. **Conclusion**:
- Given that myoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen (lower P50), we can conclude that adult hemoglobin has a lower affinity for oxygen compared to myoglobin.

5. **Final Answer**:
- Therefore, the affinity of adult hemoglobin for oxygen is **less than that of myoglobin**.