Hemoglobin S
Hemoglobin S
Hemoglobin S (pronounced: hee-muh-gloh-bin ess) is a form of hemoglobin associated with sickle cell disease.
Etymology
The 'S' in Hemoglobin S stands for 'Sickle', referring to the abnormal sickle-like shape of the red blood cells caused by this type of hemoglobin. The term 'Hemoglobin' is derived from the Greek words 'haima' meaning 'blood' and 'globin' meaning 'ball', referring to the globular protein structure of hemoglobin.
Definition
Hemoglobin S is a variant of normal hemoglobin (Hemoglobin A) that is found in people with sickle cell disease. It is caused by a specific point mutation in the beta-globin gene, which results in the production of abnormal hemoglobin molecules. When these molecules release their oxygen load in the tissues, they can stick together to form long, rigid rods that distort the shape of the red blood cells.
Related Terms
- Sickle cell disease: A group of disorders that cause red blood cells to become misshapen and break down.
- Beta-globin: One of the two types of globin chains in hemoglobin. A mutation in the beta-globin gene can cause sickle cell disease.
- Hemoglobin: A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and returns carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs.
- Mutation: A change in the DNA sequence of a gene.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hemoglobin S
- Wikipedia's article - Hemoglobin S
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