Explain5 marksChallenge
A study of high-altitude residents (3500 m) and sea-level residents produced the following mean blood values:
| Parameter | Sea-level | High-altitude |
|---|---|---|
| Arterial PO2 / kPa | 12.5 | 8.0 |
| Arterial O2 saturation / % | 98 | 92 |
| Arterial pH | 7.40 | 7.46 |
| Venous PCO2 / kPa | 6.0 | 5.0 |
| Venous HCO3- concentration / mmol dm | 24 | 20 |
| Haematocrit / % | 45 | 55 |
Explain how the differences in these blood parameters between sea-level and high-altitude individuals reflect adaptations in the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide by red blood cells and haemoglobin.