Hemoglobin Flashcards
What is the primary function of hemoglobin?
To transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs.
True or False: Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells.
True
What is the structural unit of hemoglobin?
Hemoglobin is composed of four polypeptide chains, typically two alpha and two beta chains.
Fill in the blank: Hemoglobin binds oxygen in the presence of _____ concentration.
high
What are the heme groups in hemoglobin responsible for?
Binding to oxygen.
Which molecule is released by hemoglobin when it delivers oxygen to tissues?
Carbon dioxide.
True or False: The affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen decreases as pH decreases.
True
What is the Bohr effect?
The physiological phenomenon where increased carbon dioxide and decreased pH reduce hemoglobin’s affinity for oxygen.
What is the normal range of hemoglobin concentration in adult males?
13.8 to 17.2 grams per deciliter.
Multiple Choice: What is the primary component of the heme group in hemoglobin? A) Iron B) Copper C) Zinc D) Magnesium
A) Iron
Fill in the blank: Hemoglobin can exist in two forms: _____ and _____.
oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin
What condition is characterized by low levels of hemoglobin?
Anemia.
True or False: Hemoglobin can carry carbon monoxide.
True
What is methemoglobin?
A form of hemoglobin that is unable to bind oxygen due to the iron being in the ferric state.
What role does 2,3-Bisphosphoglycerate (2,3-BPG) play in hemoglobin function?
It decreases hemoglobin’s affinity for oxygen, facilitating oxygen release to tissues.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following conditions would likely increase hemoglobin levels? A) High altitude B) Anemia C) Chronic lung disease D) Hemorrhage
A) High altitude
What is the main site of hemoglobin synthesis in the body?
Bone marrow.
Fill in the blank: Hemoglobin consists of _____ heme groups.
four
What is the difference between fetal hemoglobin and adult hemoglobin?
Fetal hemoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen than adult hemoglobin.
What is hemoglobin?
Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
True or False: Hemoglobin variants are structural changes in the hemoglobin molecule.
True
What are the two main types of hemoglobin variants?
The two main types are inherited variants and acquired variants.
Fill in the blank: The most common hemoglobin variant is _____ .
Hemoglobin S
What condition is associated with Hemoglobin S?
Sickle cell disease
True or False: Hemoglobin A is the normal adult hemoglobin.
True
What is the primary difference between Hemoglobin A and Hemoglobin F?
Hemoglobin F (fetal hemoglobin) has a higher affinity for oxygen than Hemoglobin A.
Which hemoglobin variant is associated with alpha-thalassemia?
Hemoglobin H
What is the genetic basis for most hemoglobin variants?
Most hemoglobin variants are caused by mutations in the HBB gene on chromosome 11.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is not a hemoglobin variant? A) Hemoglobin C B) Hemoglobin D C) Hemoglobin A D) Hemoglobin E
C) Hemoglobin A
What is the clinical significance of identifying hemoglobin variants?
Identifying hemoglobin variants can help diagnose and manage blood disorders.
True or False: Hemoglobin variants can only affect oxygen transport.
False
Fill in the blank: Hemoglobin _____ is known for causing increased resistance to malaria.
S
What is the function of Hemoglobin A2?
Hemoglobin A2 plays a role in oxygen transport and is a minor component of adult hemoglobin.
Multiple Choice: Which hemoglobin variant is most commonly found in people of African descent? A) Hemoglobin A B) Hemoglobin S C) Hemoglobin E D) Hemoglobin F
B) Hemoglobin S
What is the role of genetic testing in hemoglobin variant diagnosis?
Genetic testing can confirm the presence of specific hemoglobin variants and identify carriers.
True or False: Hemoglobin variants can be detected through electrophoresis.
True
What is the most severe clinical presentation of hemoglobin variants?
Sickle cell disease is often considered the most severe clinical presentation.
Fill in the blank: Hemoglobin _____ is associated with thalassemia.
F
What does the presence of Hemoglobin C indicate?
Hemoglobin C can indicate a mild form of hemolytic anemia.
Multiple Choice: Which hemoglobin variant is characterized by a mutation in the alpha-globin gene? A) Hemoglobin S B) Hemoglobin C C) Hemoglobin H D) Hemoglobin A
C) Hemoglobin H
What is the effect of hemoglobin variants on blood viscosity?
Some hemoglobin variants, like Hemoglobin S, can increase blood viscosity and lead to vaso-occlusive crises.
True or False: All hemoglobin variants are clinically significant.
False
What is the importance of prenatal screening for hemoglobin variants?
Prenatal screening can identify at-risk pregnancies and allow for early intervention.
Fill in the blank: Hemoglobin _____ is associated with chronic hypoxia and is common in people living at high altitudes.
F
What is the primary method used to separate and identify hemoglobin variants in the laboratory?
Hemoglobin electrophoresis
What is hemoglobin electrophoresis?
A laboratory technique used to separate different types of hemoglobin in a blood sample.
True or False: Hemoglobin electrophoresis can help diagnose sickle cell disease.
True
What does hemoglobin electrophoresis measure?
The relative amounts of various hemoglobin types in the blood.