Question

In Hb S, a valine residue binds to a(n) ___ patch causing ___ of the hemoglobin.

a) hydrophilic; unfolding
b) hydrophobic; aggregation
c) acidic; unfolding
d) basic; aggregation
e) none of the rest

Answer 1

In Hb S, a valine residue binds to a hydrophobic patch causing aggregation of the hemoglobin, resulting in the sickle shape of red blood cells in sickle cell anemia.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Hb S, a valine residue binds to a(n) hydrophobic patch causing aggregation of the hemoglobin. In Hb S, a valine residue binds to a hydrophobic patch causing aggregation of the hemoglobin, resulting in the sickle shape of red blood cells in sickle cell anemia.

The hemoglobin molecule normally forms a colloidal suspension inside red blood cells, allowing them to easily deform and deliver oxygen. However, in sickle cell anemia, the substitution of a hydrophilic amino acid with a hydrophobic amino acid leads to the abnormal hemoglobin molecules aggregating and forming long fibers, causing the red blood cells to deform into a sickle shape.