Final answer:
The predominant type of hemoglobin in an 8-month-old infant is Hemoglobin F (Hb F), which has 2 alpha (a) and 2 gamma (y) chains.
Step-by-step explanation:
The predominant type of hemoglobin in an 8-month-old infant is Hemoglobin F (Hb F).
Hemoglobin F is found in growing fetuses and has 2 alpha (a) and 2 gamma (y) chains. As the infant grows, the production of Hemoglobin F gradually decreases and is replaced by Hemoglobin A (Hb A) as the predominant type in adults. Hemoglobin A has 2 alpha (a) and 2 beta (ß) chains.
Therefore, in an 8-month-old infant, Hemoglobin F is the main type of hemoglobin present.