Suppose you visit the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, India (elevation 1460 m), and you begin to ponder the "big questions," such as, "What is the fractional saturation of the Dalai Lama's hemoglobin?"
a. Assuming the Dalai Lama's hemoglobin has a Hill coefficient = 3.2, and aP50 = 31 mm Hg, calculate the change in fractional O2 saturation of his hemoglobin going from his lungs (where PO2 = 85 mm Hg) to his capillaries (where PO2 = 25 mm Hg).
b. Why do you suppose the Dalai Lama's hemoglobin has a P 50 higher than normal (where "normal" = 27 mm Hg)?