BetaGlobinKette

Beta-globin chain is a protein component of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying molecule in red blood cells. It is one of the two types of globin chains found in hemoglobin, the other being the alpha-globin chain. The beta-globin chain is encoded by the HBB gene on chromosome 11 in humans. This gene is highly conserved across species, indicating its critical role in oxygen transport.

The beta-globin chain is composed of 146 amino acids and has a molecular weight of approximately 16,000 daltons. It is synthesized in the cytoplasm of erythroid precursor cells and then transported to the mitochondria for assembly with the alpha-globin chain. The resulting hemoglobin molecule consists of two alpha-globin chains and two beta-globin chains, forming a tetramer that binds four oxygen molecules.

Mutations in the HBB gene can lead to various hemoglobinopathies, including beta-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia. These conditions result from alterations in the structure or function of the beta-globin chain, leading to impaired oxygen transport and red blood cell dysfunction. Understanding the structure and function of the beta-globin chain is essential for diagnosing and managing these genetic disorders.