A polycythaemic patient suffered from mild angina pectoris. His haemoglobin was
ID: 783597 • Letter: A
Question
A polycythaemic patient suffered from mild angina pectoris. His haemoglobin was 19.9 g/dL. An abnormal band was seen on cellulose acetate electrophoresis. The haemoglobin was isolated and found to have an increased oxygen affinity. Structural analysis of the haemoglobin revealed an alpha chain variant carrying Arg Leu at position 92.
What is the name of the haemoglobin variant?
Would this haemoglobin demonstrate a left or right shift on an oxygen dissociate curve ? Fully justify your answer.
Why would the patient display the symptoms of polycythaemia?
Name two other haemoglobin variants which can affect the oxygen carrying capabilities of haemoglobin?
What are the advantages of cellulose acetate electophesis ?
Explanation / Answer
Hb Chesapeake
Left shift because Hb Chesapeake has increased O2 affinity. Left shift means higher % oxyhemoglobin.
Well, it's a blood disorder. Something like high amounts of RBC's has to accumulate over time before symptoms actually show.
Hemoglobin Kansas (low affinity for O2), Hemoglobin D-Punjab (high affinity)
Cellulose acetate electrophoresis's best advantage, in my opinion, is how easy and fast it is!