Haemoglobin is not used only in blood, scientists find in major discovery
A new study reported that chondrocytes-cells that make cartilage (connecting tissue between bones) make haemoglobin and form haemoglobin bodies, or Hedy.
Previously, it was understood that haemoglobin was used only by Red Blood Cells (RBCs).
Functions of Chondrocytes
- It releases substances to make cartilage strong yet flexible.
- Haemoglobin in Chondrocytes carries oxygen and is essential for their survival.
- Haemoglobin in the chondrocytes stores oxygen and supplies it to the cells when required.
Haemoglobin is an iron-containing protein in the blood of animals that transports oxygen to the tissues. It is present in RBCs of vertebrates.
- All vertebrates except cold-water ice fish transport oxygen via haemoglobin.
- Haemoglobin forms an unstable reversible bond with oxygen. In oxygenated state, it is called oxyhemoglobin (bright red) and in reduced state it is called deoxyhemoglobin (purple-blue).
- Haemoglobin develops in cells in bone marrow that become RBCs.
RBC (aka erythrocytes) carries oxygen from lungs to every cell in body.
- RBC is covered with a membrane composed of proteins and lipids, lacks a nucleus, and contains haemoglobin.
Haemoglobin Associated Diseases
- Haemoglobin S is a variant form of haemoglobin that is present in persons who have Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA).
♦ SCA is a severe hereditary form of anaemia in which cells become crescent-shaped when oxygen is lacking. - Thalassemia: A group of inherited blood disorders characterized by a deficiency of haemoglobin.