Alpha globin

Alpha globin is a type of globin protein, which is a component of hemoglobin, the molecule that carries oxygen in the blood. Alpha globin is produced by the alpha globin gene, which is located on chromosome 16 in humans.

Structure

Alpha globin is a small protein with a molecular weight of about 15,000 daltons. It is composed of 141 amino acids and has a helical structure. The protein is encoded by two genes, HBA1 and HBA2, which are located on the short arm of chromosome 16.

Function

The primary function of alpha globin is to bind with beta globin to form hemoglobin. Each molecule of hemoglobin contains two alpha globin chains and two beta globin chains. The alpha globin chains bind to the heme group, which contains iron and is responsible for the red color of blood. The iron in the heme group binds to oxygen, allowing hemoglobin to carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body.

Disorders

Mutations in the alpha globin gene can lead to alpha thalassemia, a group of blood disorders that reduce the production of hemoglobin. Depending on the number of gene copies affected, alpha thalassemia can range from a mild condition to a severe disease. Symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and other complications.

See also

• Beta globin
• Hemoglobin
• Alpha thalassemia