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hemoglobin S

biochemistry
Also known as: Hb S

Quick Summary

Hemoglobin S is an abnormal type of hemoglobin found in red blood cells, primarily associated with sickle cell anemia and sickle-cell trait. Hemoglobin, in general, is an iron-containing protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the tissues.12

In sickle cell anemia, the abnormal hemoglobin (hemoglobin S) causes red blood cells to become crescent-shaped when oxygen levels are low. These sickle-shaped cells can obstruct blood flow in small vessels, leading to tissue damage. This condition is a hereditary anemia where the abnormal sickle-shaped cells have a shorter lifespan and are prematurely destroyed. The gene responsible for sickle cell anemia, when inherited from both parents, results in a serious and potentially fatal disease. The sickle cell trait, however, where only one copy of the gene is inherited, offers some protection against malaria.234

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