Hemoglobin

Question 1

What are the different versions of alpha and beta in fetal hemoglobin compared to adult hemoglobin?

Answer 1

Fetal hemoglobin has an alpha and a gamma hemoglobin.

Adults have an alpha and a beta or an alpha and delta.

Question 2

Explain the structure of hemoglobin.

Answer 2

Tetramer (4 chains)
3D structure
Two identical alpha chains and 2 identical beta chains.

Question 3

Describe the process of oxygen binding to hemoglobin.

Answer 3

Heme prosthetic group is added to the hemoglobin protein.
Fe 2+ is in the center of the heme group, held in place by 4 nitrogens and 1 histidine proximal histidine).
Oxygen binds to iron - distal histidine keeps oxygen in place and makes hemoglobin specific to O2.
Conformational change happens making hemoglobin have a greater affinity for oxygen.

Question 4

What is erythropoesis? And what nutrients does it require?

Answer 4

Production of red blood cells and folic acid and B12.

Question 5

Name 2 blood builders.

Answer 5

B6 and iron

Question 6

How long do RBCs last?

Answer 6

120 days

Question 7

Why is the biconcave shape so important in RBCs?

Answer 7

Because it allows RBC to be agile and get through tight spaces.

Question 8

What are the different hemoglobin varieties in humans?

Answer 8

Alpha like- zeta and alpha

Beta like- epsilon, gamma, delta and beta