10 Questions
What is the primary function of red blood cells?
To carry oxygen to the tissues and return carbon dioxide to the lungs
What is the molecular structure of normal adult haemoglobin A?
α2β2
What is the name of the haemoglobin present in small quantities in normal adult blood, that contains δ chains?
Hb A2
At what age does the dominant haemoglobin in blood change from one type to another?
3-6 months
What is the site of gaseous exchange in the body where red cells carry out their function?
Lungs
What is the primary function of the haem group in haemoglobin?
To facilitate the binding of oxygen to the globin chains
What is the significance of the presence of Hb F and Hb A2 in normal adult blood?
They are remnants of fetal haemoglobin that are not fully suppressed
What is the difference between the α chains in Hb A and Hb F?
Hb A has α chains while Hb F has γ chains
Why is haemoglobin A the dominant haemoglobin in blood after the age of 3-6 months?
Because it has a higher affinity for oxygen than Hb F
What is the role of the polypeptide chains in haemoglobin?
They provide a scaffold for the haem group to bind to
Study Notes
Red Blood Cell Function
- Red blood cells carry oxygen (O2) to tissues and return carbon dioxide (CO2) from tissues to lungs.
Haemoglobin Structure
- Haemoglobin is a specialized protein in red blood cells that enables gaseous exchange.
- One molecule of normal adult haemoglobin A (Hb A) consists of four polypeptide chains: α2β2.
- Each chain has a haem group.
Haemoglobin Variations
- Normal adult blood contains small quantities of two other haemoglobins: Hb F and Hb A2.
- Hb F and Hb A2 contain α chains, but with γ and δ chains, respectively, instead of β chains.
Red Blood Cell Function
- Red blood cells carry oxygen (O2) to tissues and return carbon dioxide (CO2) from tissues to lungs.
Haemoglobin Structure
- Haemoglobin is a specialized protein in red blood cells that enables gaseous exchange.
- One molecule of normal adult haemoglobin A (Hb A) consists of four polypeptide chains: α2β2.
- Each chain has a haem group.
Haemoglobin Variations
- Normal adult blood contains small quantities of two other haemoglobins: Hb F and Hb A2.
- Hb F and Hb A2 contain α chains, but with γ and δ chains, respectively, instead of β chains.
Learn about the functions of red blood cells, structure of haemoglobin, and its variations in human blood.
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