While it seems the cell is mainly interested in making ATP, 2,3-BPG serves a purpose as well. 2,3-BPG binds to deoxygenated hemoglobin more readily than it binds to oxyhemoglobin.

虽然细胞可能主要对制造ATP，但2，3-BPG也有作用。2，3-BPG与脱氧血红蛋白的结合比与氧血红蛋白的结合更容易。