What globin will form tetramers that damage RBC membranes in a-thalassemia?

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Study for the CVP and GI Pathology Exam 1. Engage with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your test!

Multiple Choice

What globin will form tetramers that damage RBC membranes in a-thalassemia?

Explanation:
In alpha-thalassemia, reduced production of alpha chains leaves non-alpha chains unpaired, so beta globin chains pair up to form beta4 tetramers (HbH). These HbH tetramers are unstable and precipitate within red cells, causing oxidative damage to the red cell membranes and leading to hemolysis. Gamma tetramers (Hb Bart’s) form only when all four alpha genes are deleted and have different consequences, so the membrane-damaging tetramers in this context are β globin.

In alpha-thalassemia, reduced production of alpha chains leaves non-alpha chains unpaired, so beta globin chains pair up to form beta4 tetramers (HbH). These HbH tetramers are unstable and precipitate within red cells, causing oxidative damage to the red cell membranes and leading to hemolysis. Gamma tetramers (Hb Bart’s) form only when all four alpha genes are deleted and have different consequences, so the membrane-damaging tetramers in this context are β globin.

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