Frequently asked question: What is hemoglobin?

Hemoglobin is the substance that creates the red color of red blood cells. Hemoglobin is a protein that is made up of four protein chains; two alpha globin chains and two beta globin chains. These four protein chains each contain an iron atom to which oxygen or carbon dioxide can attach itself. This means that hemoglobin has four elements that can bind oxygen or carbon dioxide, so that the hemoglobin can transport the oxygen or carbon dioxide through your body in the bloodstream.

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What organ-related problems can sickle cell disease cause?

Brain: after some time, sickle cell disease can lead to a narrowing of the blood vessels in the brain. If this leads to…

What exactly does hemoglobin do in the body?

The hemoglobin in red blood cells is what enables these red blood cells to absorb oxygen (an important fuel for your bod…

How does the body get rid of carbon dioxide (waste)?

Waste substances (carbon dioxide) from the cells bind to the space in the hemoglobin vacated by the oxygen. The red bloo…

What is wrong with the hemoglobin in cases of sickle cell disease?

What are common symptoms of sickle cell disease?

Can a stem cell and bone marrow transplantation cure sickle cell disease?

Why is it that sickle cell disease comes with (severe) anemia?

How do the organs in the body receive oxygen (fuel)?

What effect does a blood transfusion have on sickle cell disease?

How does sickle cell disease lead to pulmonary hypertension?

Relevant medical information

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The role and structure of hemoglobin

How do the organs in the body receive oxygen (fuel)?

How does the body get rid of carbon dioxide (waste)?

How is the formation of sickle cells triggered?

Is hemoglobin in children and adults structured differently than in unborn babies and newborns?

What exactly does hemoglobin do in the body?

What is a hemoglobinopathy?

What is hemoglobin?

What is wrong with the hemoglobin in cases of sickle cell disease?

Other subjects

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General

Medication and sickle cell disease

Occurrence of sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease and pregnancy

Sickle cell disease symptoms and problems

The hereditary nature of sickle cell disease

The problem with hemoglobin S

The role and structure of hemoglobin

The sickle cell disease diagnosis

Traveling with sickle cell disease

Treatment of severe sickle cell disease

Treatment of sickle cell disease; prevention, treatment, and support