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The wonderful world of hemoglobin: Do you know which mutations might give you super oxygen transport capabilities?
Hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells, is responsible for the vital oxygen transport function of life. This function not only allows our bodies to thrive, but also allows us to survive in different environments. The variation of hemoglobin represents the variation of this function, which brings many unknown possibilities.
Basic functions of hemoglobin
Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein in red blood cells that is responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body, allowing cells to perform aerobic respiration and thus supporting the body's metabolic processes. In addition, hemoglobin also has the function of transporting other gases, such as carbon dioxide. About 20-25% of carbon dioxide is taken away in the form of carbon ammonia hemoglobin, and an important regulatory molecule, nitric oxide, can also bind to hemoglobin, thereby assisting Regulates blood flow.
Structural biology of hemoglobin
Normal hemoglobin is a tetramer composed of four polypeptide chains, which can be two α chains and two β chains, each of which is bound to iron-containing heme. Hemoglobin synthesis at different ages is due to the rapid development during the embryonic period, which causes the type of hemoglobin to change over time. During the fetal period, the main hemoglobin is fetal hemoglobin (HbF), which is composed of two α chains and two γ chains.
Classification of HemoglobinopathiesVariations in hemoglobin are inherited, and some may cause serious health problems while others may provide a survival advantage in certain environments.
Hemoglobin disorders can be divided into two main categories: qualitative abnormalities and quantitative abnormalities. Quality abnormalities refer to changes in the structure of hemoglobin, including variants such as sickle hemoglobin (HbS), which can aggregate in the absence of oxygen and damage the membrane of red blood cells, causing premature aging and anemia. Quantitative abnormalities include thalassemia, which is mainly due to insufficient synthesis of a certain chain, resulting in an imbalance in the ratio between different α or β chains, leading to abnormal red blood cell production.
Hemoglobin variation and evolutionary advantageIn certain areas, such as the endemic district of Malari, carriers of some hemoglobinopathies show improved survival, which is thought to be an evolutionary advantage. Carriers of sickle hemoglobin have a certain resistance to infection with the Malari parasite, which seems to indicate that hemoglobin variation is not entirely a burden that brings disadvantages, but may promote survival in certain environments.
How to explore the world of hemoglobin?
Much of the interest in hemoglobin among scientists stems from its important role in health and disease. By studying hemoglobin variants, they are able to explain disease rates in certain ethnic groups and potentially guide medical decisions and preventive measures for those who carry the variant gene. It all depends on exploring and understanding the mysteries hidden in this tiny protein.
Behind every variation of hemoglobin lies an individual biological story. Are you ready to explore them?
