Relate the structure of hemoglobin to its function,

Erythropoietin directly stimulates RBC formation by (a) increasing rates of mitotic divisions in erythroblasts, (b) speeding up the maturation of red blood cells, (c) accelerating the rate of hemoglobin synthesis, (d) all of these.

If you had a high hematocrit, would you expect your hemoglobin determination to be high or low? Why?

Discuss hemoglobin relative to its chemical structure, its function, and the color changes it undergoes during loading and unloading of oxygen.

A middle-aged college professor from Boston is in the Swiss Alps studying astronomy. He arrived two days ago and plans to stay the entire year. However, he notices that he is short of breath when he walks up steps and that he tires easily with any physical activity. His symptoms gradually disappear; after two months, he feels fine. Upon returning to the United States, he has a complete physical exam and is told that his erythrocyte count is higher than normal. (a) Attempt to explain this finding. (b) Will his RBC count remain at this higher-than-normal level? Why or why not?