Question

Based on your understanding of genetic code, explain the formation of any abnormal hemoglobin molecule. What are the known consequences of such a change?

Answer 1

$Reasonofabnormalhemoglobinshapeinsickle-cellanemia:$

In sickle-cell anemia, point mutation occurs in the beta chain of haemoglobin molecules.

• Codon GAG is mutated to GUG in the gene coding for the haemoglobin chain.
• Due to which, at the sixth position in the beta chain of globin molecules, glutamic acid is substituted by valine.
• As a result, the RBC is changed into sickle shape, and results in sickle-cell anaemia.

$Consequencesofabnormalhemoglobinshape:$

Consequences of abnormal hemoglobin shape are as follows:

• Sickle shape of RBCs do not allow them to move through narrow capillaries.
• These RBCs get destroyed fast and transport of oxygen to organs gets affected.