Biochemistry · Heme and Hemoglobin

Abnormal hemoglobins

2 min read

Quick Orientation

Section

Definition

Objective
Understand the core idea
Keywords
Abnormal hemoglobins, mutations, 400

Basic Concepts of Globin Synthesis

Objective
Understand the core idea
Keywords
two gene clusters, four other genes, ε-gene

Clinical Correlation

Objective
Connect the mechanism to clinical findings
Keywords
Hemoglobinopathies, Sickle-cell anemia (HbS), hemoglobin C disease (HbC)

Definition

Abnormal hemoglobins result from mutations in the genes coding for α or β globin chains; about 400 mutant hemoglobins are known.

  • About 95% of these mutations involve alteration of a single amino acid in the globin chain.