How does the body react to low oxygen levels (hypoxia) on a molecular level?

How does the body react to low oxygen levels (hypoxia) on a molecular level?

• A. The heart increases its pumping rate
• B. The kidneys increase the production of erythropoietin
• C. Blood vessels dilate to improve circulation
• D. Muscles utilize anaerobic metabolism

Answer: (B)

When the body experiences low oxygen levels, or hypoxia, a critical adaptation occurs at the molecular level involving the kidneys and erythropoietin production. In response to hypoxia, the kidneys detect decreased oxygen tension in the blood and subsequently increase the synthesis and release of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. This increase in red blood cell production enhances the blood's capacity to carry oxygen, effectively countering the effects of hypoxia. The output of erythropoietin is a physiological feedback mechanism that aims to restore normal oxygen levels in the tissues by increasing the number of red blood cells, thereby improving oxygen delivery. While the other options may reflect responses of the body to various stimuli, the direct connection to hypoxia and the consequent production of erythropoietin highlights the body’s adaptive mechanism to improve oxygen transport and utilization in response to low oxygen levels.

When the body experiences low oxygen levels, or hypoxia, a critical adaptation occurs at the molecular level involving the kidneys and erythropoietin production. In response to hypoxia, the kidneys detect decreased oxygen tension in the blood and subsequently increase the synthesis and release of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.

This increase in red blood cell production enhances the blood's capacity to carry oxygen, effectively countering the effects of hypoxia. The output of erythropoietin is a physiological feedback mechanism that aims to restore normal oxygen levels in the tissues by increasing the number of red blood cells, thereby improving oxygen delivery.

While the other options may reflect responses of the body to various stimuli, the direct connection to hypoxia and the consequent production of erythropoietin highlights the body’s adaptive mechanism to improve oxygen transport and utilization in response to low oxygen levels.