Haemoglobin

Question 0

What chains make up HbA2?

Answer 0

2 alpha and 2 delta

Question 1

What chains makes up Adult Hb (HbA)?

Answer 1

2 alpha and 2 beta

Question 2

What chains make up foetal Hb?

Answer 2

2 alpha and 2 gamma

Question 3

Sickle cell disease is a mutation in which chain?

Answer 3

The beta chain in HbA

Question 4

What does BPG do to Hb?

Answer 4

Stabilises it. No more O2 binds. Promotes dissociation

Question 5

What is MetHb?

Answer 5

When Fe2+ is oxidised to Fe3+ and so O2 can’t bind

Question 6

What are the 2 causes for the formation of MetHb?

Answer 6

1. Spontaneous

2. Drug side effect

Question 7

What keeps the levels of MetHb in check?

Answer 7

MetHb reductase

Question 8

What is Glycosylated Hb (HbA1c)?

Answer 8

Where covalent bonds form between glucose and the beta chain in Hb when plasma glucose is high

Question 9

What is Glycosylated Hb used for clinically?

Answer 9

To assess the plasma glucose levels of diabetics

Question 10

What is cyanosis?

Answer 10

Poor Hb saturation

Question 11

What is the difference between the 2 types of cyanosis?

Answer 11

1. Central cyanosis - poor oxygenation in lungs

2. Peripheral cyanosis - poor tissue perfusion

Question 12

What is Polycythaemia?

Answer 12

Increased Hb levels

Question 13

What is anaemia?

Answer 13

Decreased Hb levels

Question 14

What 3 ways is carbon dioxide carried around?

Answer 14

1. Bicarbonate ion
2. Carbamino CO2 (on globin chain)
3. In plasma

Question 15

What is Myoglobin?

Answer 15

Type of Hb found in striated muscle. It has a higher affinity to O2 than HbA

Question 16

What is Caissons disease?

Answer 16

Decompression sickness. Rapid ascent from depth causes N2 solubility to decrease rapidly. N2 gets into blood and joints can lead to death and debilitating problems with joints.