Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin

What is hemoglobin? Describe the types, functions and fate of haemoglobin.
Answer:

Hemoglobin:

• The red, oxygen carrying pigment in the RBCs of vertebrates is haemoglobin.
• It consists of the protein (globin) united with the pigment ‘heme’.

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Types of Hemoglobin:

1. Adult haemoglobin (HbA).
   • Adult haemoglobin (HbA).
   • Subtypes:
     1. (Haemoglobin A (α₂ B₂).
     2. Hemoglobin A₂ (α₂ B₂)
   • It appears in foetus, after 5 months of intra-uterine life.
   • Its life span is 120 days.
2. Foetal haemoglobin (HbF).
   • It has 2 a chains and 2 y (gammchains.
   • It has greater affinity for oxygen.
   • It is 70% saturate at 20 mm Hg of pO₂ pressure.
   • Its life span is 80 days.
3. Hemoglobin S (HbS).
   • In each ẞ- polypeptide chain of HbA at position 6, one glutamic acid is replaced by valine.
   • It is inherited as mendelian dominant.

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Hemoglobin Functions:

• To carry respiratory gases – oxygen and carbon dioxide.
• Helps in acid base regulation.
• Transport of nitric oxide from lungs the tissue causing vasodilation.

Hemoglobin Normal values:

• Adult:
  1. Males – 14-18 gm/dL
  2. Females 12-15.5 gm/dL
• Children 18 – 22 gm/dL
• Fate of Hemoglobin:

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