Hemoglobin: Difference between revisions

Hemoglobin is a protein that is located in red blood cells. It carries oxygen from the lungs to deliver to the tissues and returns carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs. <ref name=medicine> [http://www.medicinenet.com/hemoglobin/article.htm Hemoglobin]  Siamak Nabili. MedicineNet.com </ref> Hemoglobin is made from two similar proteins, alpha and beta, that are connected together. <ref name=sick> [http://sickle.bwh.harvard.edu/hemoglobin.html An Overview of Hemoglobin] Maureen Okam. Information Center for Sickle Cell and Thalassemic Disorder </ref> Since each alpha and beta has another two protein molecules, Hemoglobin is actually made up of four protein molecules, which is also called globulin chains. Usually, the normal adult hemoglobin molecule includes 2 alpha-globulin chains and 2 beta-globulin chains. On the other hand, for infants, the hemoglobin molecule contains 2 alpha chains and 2 gamma chains. However, as the infant grows, 2 gamma chains are developed to 2 beta chains. Each different globulin chain holds the heme molecule, which is iron that transports the oxygen and carbon dioxide in blood. Because of the presence of the heme molecule, blood has red color. Also, hemoglobin helps to build the shape of the red blood cells. <ref> [http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=15738 Definition of Hemoglobin] MedicineNet.com </ref>