Hemoglobin Flashcards

1
Q

What is the primary function of hemoglobin?

A

To transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

True or False: Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells.

A

True

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the structural unit of hemoglobin?

A

Hemoglobin is composed of four polypeptide chains, typically two alpha and two beta chains.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Fill in the blank: Hemoglobin binds oxygen in the presence of _____ concentration.

A

high

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are the heme groups in hemoglobin responsible for?

A

Binding to oxygen.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Which molecule is released by hemoglobin when it delivers oxygen to tissues?

A

Carbon dioxide.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

True or False: The affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen decreases as pH decreases.

A

True

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the Bohr effect?

A

The physiological phenomenon where increased carbon dioxide and decreased pH reduce hemoglobin’s affinity for oxygen.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is the normal range of hemoglobin concentration in adult males?

A

13.8 to 17.2 grams per deciliter.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Multiple Choice: What is the primary component of the heme group in hemoglobin? A) Iron B) Copper C) Zinc D) Magnesium

A

A) Iron

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Fill in the blank: Hemoglobin can exist in two forms: _____ and _____.

A

oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What condition is characterized by low levels of hemoglobin?

A

Anemia.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

True or False: Hemoglobin can carry carbon monoxide.

A

True

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is methemoglobin?

A

A form of hemoglobin that is unable to bind oxygen due to the iron being in the ferric state.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What role does 2,3-Bisphosphoglycerate (2,3-BPG) play in hemoglobin function?

A

It decreases hemoglobin’s affinity for oxygen, facilitating oxygen release to tissues.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Multiple Choice: Which of the following conditions would likely increase hemoglobin levels? A) High altitude B) Anemia C) Chronic lung disease D) Hemorrhage

A

A) High altitude

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is the main site of hemoglobin synthesis in the body?

A

Bone marrow.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Fill in the blank: Hemoglobin consists of _____ heme groups.

A

four

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is the difference between fetal hemoglobin and adult hemoglobin?

A

Fetal hemoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen than adult hemoglobin.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is hemoglobin?

A

Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

True or False: Hemoglobin variants are structural changes in the hemoglobin molecule.

A

True

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What are the two main types of hemoglobin variants?

A

The two main types are inherited variants and acquired variants.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Fill in the blank: The most common hemoglobin variant is _____ .

A

Hemoglobin S

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What condition is associated with Hemoglobin S?

A

Sickle cell disease

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

True or False: Hemoglobin A is the normal adult hemoglobin.

A

True

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What is the primary difference between Hemoglobin A and Hemoglobin F?

A

Hemoglobin F (fetal hemoglobin) has a higher affinity for oxygen than Hemoglobin A.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Which hemoglobin variant is associated with alpha-thalassemia?

A

Hemoglobin H

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

What is the genetic basis for most hemoglobin variants?

A

Most hemoglobin variants are caused by mutations in the HBB gene on chromosome 11.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is not a hemoglobin variant? A) Hemoglobin C B) Hemoglobin D C) Hemoglobin A D) Hemoglobin E

A

C) Hemoglobin A

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

What is the clinical significance of identifying hemoglobin variants?

A

Identifying hemoglobin variants can help diagnose and manage blood disorders.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

True or False: Hemoglobin variants can only affect oxygen transport.

A

False

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Fill in the blank: Hemoglobin _____ is known for causing increased resistance to malaria.

A

S

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

What is the function of Hemoglobin A2?

A

Hemoglobin A2 plays a role in oxygen transport and is a minor component of adult hemoglobin.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

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

A

B) Hemoglobin S

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

What is the role of genetic testing in hemoglobin variant diagnosis?

A

Genetic testing can confirm the presence of specific hemoglobin variants and identify carriers.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

True or False: Hemoglobin variants can be detected through electrophoresis.

A

True

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

What is the most severe clinical presentation of hemoglobin variants?

A

Sickle cell disease is often considered the most severe clinical presentation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

Fill in the blank: Hemoglobin _____ is associated with thalassemia.

A

F

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

What does the presence of Hemoglobin C indicate?

A

Hemoglobin C can indicate a mild form of hemolytic anemia.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

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

A

C) Hemoglobin H

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

What is the effect of hemoglobin variants on blood viscosity?

A

Some hemoglobin variants, like Hemoglobin S, can increase blood viscosity and lead to vaso-occlusive crises.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

True or False: All hemoglobin variants are clinically significant.

A

False

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

What is the importance of prenatal screening for hemoglobin variants?

A

Prenatal screening can identify at-risk pregnancies and allow for early intervention.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

Fill in the blank: Hemoglobin _____ is associated with chronic hypoxia and is common in people living at high altitudes.

A

F

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

What is the primary method used to separate and identify hemoglobin variants in the laboratory?

A

Hemoglobin electrophoresis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

What is hemoglobin electrophoresis?

A

A laboratory technique used to separate different types of hemoglobin in a blood sample.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

True or False: Hemoglobin electrophoresis can help diagnose sickle cell disease.

A

True

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

What does hemoglobin electrophoresis measure?

A

The relative amounts of various hemoglobin types in the blood.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

Which hemoglobin variant is associated with sickle cell anemia?

A

Hemoglobin S (HbS)

50
Q

Fill in the blank: Hemoglobin electrophoresis is typically performed on a sample of _____ .

A

blood

51
Q

What is the purpose of using an electric current in hemoglobin electrophoresis?

A

To separate hemoglobin variants based on their charge and size.

52
Q

Which hemoglobin variant is commonly found in individuals with thalassemia?

A

Hemoglobin F (HbF) and Hemoglobin A2 (HbA2)

53
Q

True or False: Hemoglobin electrophoresis can differentiate between normal and abnormal hemoglobin types.

A

True

54
Q

What is the main advantage of hemoglobin electrophoresis over other hemoglobin testing methods?

A

It provides a detailed profile of multiple hemoglobin types.

55
Q

What is the primary sample type used for hemoglobin electrophoresis?

A

Whole blood or hemolysate.

56
Q

Which technique is commonly used to visualize the results of hemoglobin electrophoresis?

A

Staining the gel after electrophoresis.

57
Q

What is the significance of detecting Hemoglobin F in adults?

A

It may indicate a hematological disorder such as thalassemia or sickle cell disease.

58
Q

Multiple choice: Which of the following is NOT a hemoglobin variant tested in electrophoresis? A) HbA B) HbS C) HbE D) HbA1c

A

D) HbA1c

59
Q

Fill in the blank: The normal adult hemoglobin is primarily composed of _____ .

A

Hemoglobin A (HbA)

60
Q

What is the typical migration pattern of Hemoglobin S in electrophoresis?

A

It migrates slower than Hemoglobin A.

61
Q

True or False: Hemoglobin electrophoresis can be used to monitor treatment in patients with hemoglobin disorders.

A

True

62
Q

What is the role of buffer in hemoglobin electrophoresis?

A

To maintain the pH and ionic strength during the electrophoresis process.

63
Q

Which population is most likely to have Hemoglobin S?

A

Individuals of African descent.

64
Q

Multiple choice: Which hemoglobin variant is associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism? A) HbA B) HbS C) HbC D) HbF

A

B) HbS

65
Q

What is the clinical significance of identifying Hemoglobin C?

A

It can indicate a different type of hemoglobinopathy that may require specific management.

66
Q

Fill in the blank: The primary use of hemoglobin electrophoresis in newborns is to screen for _____ .

A

sickle cell disease

67
Q

What is the expected percentage of Hemoglobin A in a healthy adult?

A

Approximately 95-98%.

68
Q

True or False: Hemoglobin electrophoresis can identify carriers of sickle cell trait.

A

True

69
Q

What is the importance of identifying different hemoglobinopathies?

A

To provide appropriate management and genetic counseling.

70
Q

What are hemoglobinopathies?

A

Inherited disorders affecting the structure or production of hemoglobin.

71
Q

True or False: Amino acid substitutions in hemoglobin can alter its oxygen-carrying capacity.

A

True

72
Q

What is the most common hemoglobinopathy?

A

Sickle cell disease.

73
Q

Fill in the blank: Sickle cell disease is caused by a substitution of __________ for glutamic acid at the sixth position of the beta-globin chain.

A

valine

74
Q

Which amino acid is substituted in beta-thalassemia?

A

This condition is generally due to a reduction in the production of beta-globin chains rather than a specific substitution.

75
Q

What is the role of hemoglobin in the body?

A

To transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and return carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs.

76
Q

Multiple choice: Which amino acid substitution is responsible for Hemoglobin C disease? A) Valine, B) Lysine, C) Glutamic acid, D) Aspartic acid

A

B) Lysine

77
Q

True or False: All amino acid substitutions in hemoglobin lead to severe clinical symptoms.

A

False

78
Q

What type of mutation causes hemoglobinopathies?

A

Point mutations in the globin genes.

79
Q

Short answer: What is the consequence of the amino acid substitution in sickle cell disease?

A

It causes hemoglobin to polymerize under low oxygen conditions, leading to distorted red blood cells.

80
Q

Fill in the blank: Hemoglobin variants can be classified as __________ or __________.

A

pathological; benign

81
Q

What is the function of the beta-globin gene?

A

To encode the beta chain of hemoglobin.

82
Q

Multiple choice: Which condition is characterized by a substitution of aspartic acid for valine? A) Sickle cell disease, B) Hemoglobin C disease, C) Hemoglobin E disease, D) Beta-thalassemia

A

C) Hemoglobin E disease

83
Q

True or False: Hemoglobinopathies can be detected through standard blood tests.

A

True

84
Q

Short answer: What is the primary method used to identify hemoglobin variants?

A

Hemoglobin electrophoresis.

85
Q

What are the potential complications of sickle cell disease?

A

Pain crises, infections, acute chest syndrome, and stroke.

86
Q

Fill in the blank: The substitution of __________ for glutamic acid in hemoglobin leads to sickle cell trait.

A

valine

87
Q

Multiple choice: Which hemoglobin variant is associated with increased resistance to malaria? A) Hemoglobin S, B) Hemoglobin C, C) Hemoglobin E, D) All of the above

A

D) All of the above

88
Q

What is the significance of amino acid substitutions in the context of evolutionary biology?

A

They can confer advantages such as resistance to certain diseases.

89
Q

True or False: Hemoglobinopathies are solely caused by genetic factors.

A

False

90
Q

Short answer: How can lifestyle choices impact the symptoms of hemoglobinopathies?

A

Hydration, avoiding extreme temperatures, and managing stress can help reduce symptoms.

91
Q

Fill in the blank: Hemoglobin variants can be classified as either __________ or __________ based on their clinical significance.

A

functional; dysfunctional

92
Q

What is the difference between sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait?

A

Sickle cell disease presents with symptoms, while sickle cell trait usually does not.

93
Q

True or False: Genetic counseling is recommended for individuals with a family history of hemoglobinopathies.

A

True

94
Q

Short answer: Why is it important to understand amino acid substitutions in hemoglobin?

A

To better diagnose, manage, and treat hemoglobinopathies and their complications.

95
Q

What is thalassemia?

A

Thalassemia is a blood disorder characterized by the reduced production of hemoglobin.

96
Q

True or False: Thalassemia is an inherited condition.

A

True

97
Q

Fill in the blank: Thalassemia primarily affects the production of __________.

A

hemoglobin

98
Q

What are the two main types of thalassemia?

A

Alpha thalassemia and beta thalassemia.

99
Q

Multiple Choice: Which type of thalassemia is caused by mutations in the alpha-globin gene?

A

A) Alpha thalassemia

100
Q

What is the most severe form of beta thalassemia called?

A

Beta thalassemia major (also known as Cooley’s anemia).

101
Q

True or False: Individuals with thalassemia usually have normal hemoglobin levels.

A

False

102
Q

What are common symptoms of thalassemia?

A

Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and jaundice.

103
Q

Fill in the blank: Thalassemia can lead to complications such as __________ overload.

A

iron

104
Q

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a treatment for thalassemia?

A

C) Antibiotics

105
Q

What is the role of blood transfusions in managing thalassemia?

A

They help to maintain hemoglobin levels and reduce symptoms.

106
Q

True or False: Thalassemia can only occur in people of Mediterranean descent.

A

False

107
Q

What is the genetic inheritance pattern of thalassemia?

A

Thalassemia is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern.

108
Q

Multiple Choice: Which test is commonly used to diagnose thalassemia?

A

B) Hemoglobin electrophoresis

109
Q

What are the potential long-term complications of thalassemia?

A

Complications include heart disease, diabetes, and bone deformities.

110
Q

Fill in the blank: Patients with thalassemia may require __________ therapy to manage iron overload.

A

chelation

111
Q

What is the function of hemoglobin in the blood?

A

Hemoglobin carries oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues.

112
Q

True or False: Genetic counseling can be beneficial for families affected by thalassemia.

A

True

113
Q

What lifestyle changes can help manage thalassemia symptoms?

A

A balanced diet, regular medical check-ups, and avoiding iron supplements.

114
Q

Multiple Choice: Which population is most commonly affected by beta thalassemia?

A

A) Mediterranean descent

115
Q

What is the significance of prenatal testing in thalassemia?

A

Prenatal testing can identify thalassemia in unborn children.

116
Q

Fill in the blank: __________ can help improve the quality of life for individuals with thalassemia.

A

Supportive care

117
Q

What is a common misconception about thalassemia?

A

That it is a rare disease; it is actually quite common in certain populations.

118
Q

True or False: Bone marrow transplant is a potential cure for thalassemia.

A

True

119
Q

What role does iron play in the body?

A

Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin and oxygen transport.

120
Q

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a symptom of iron overload?

A

C) Joint pain

121
Q

What is the purpose of regular monitoring in patients with thalassemia?

A

To assess hemoglobin levels and manage complications.