1. Do you think erythropoietin levels in athletes at low altitude are lower, higher, or the same after training at a high altitude for 2 months? Explain your answer.
2. Do athletes training at high altitudes have more or less oxygen molecules per ml of blood then athletes training at low altitudes? Explain why this difference gives athletes who train at high altitudes an advantage over athletes who train only at low altitudes.
3. What would happen if someone did not receive a compatible blood type during a blood transfusion? (Hint: Reaction between antigens and antibodies when blood typing.)
4. In one or 2 sentences, state how hematocrit and hemoglobin levels change with altitude
5. In one or 2 sentences, state why it is important to match blood type when giving blood transfusion.
6. Blood doping (using injected substances to artificially enhance performance) is illegal in many sports. Two substances used are erythropoietin and hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF). One of the actions of HIF is to increase formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). Explain how administering erythropoietin can increase performance and how HIF can increase performance through angiogenesis.
7. Myoglobin levels are higher in Tibetans and other ethnic groups that live at high altitudes. Explain the benefit of higher myoglobin levels for individuals living at high altitudes
8. An Rh- mother is given Rh immune globulin during her pregnancy. Rh immune globulin prevents formation of antibodies to Rh antigens. Explain why this is done.
