Context:
A groundbreaking discovery has unveiled that hemoglobin is not exclusively utilized by red blood cells.
About the study:
- Study was conducted by scientists from China
- Chondrocytes – cells that make cartilage, the connecting tissue between bones – also make hemoglobin.
- Chondrocytes seem to depend on hemoglobin for their survival.
About Hemoglobin (Hb):
- A protein found in the red blood cells (erythrocytes)
- Major function – oxygen transport in body of almost all vertebrates
- Gives blood its red colour
- Contains iron
- Normal range – 12 to 20 grams of hemoglobin in every 100 mL of blood.
- Normal ranges for haemoglobin differ
- between ethnic populations,
- between males and females,
- affected by age, especially in women.
- Men usually have higher levels than women.
- Women with menstrual periods and pregnant women commonly have low hemoglobin counts.
- Not all vertebrate species have hemoglobin
- Some non-vertebrates have hemoglobin protein
Sickle-cell anemia:
- A collection of hereditary disorders impacting hemoglobin.
- In normal circumstances, red blood cells possess a disc-shaped structure, facilitating smooth movement through blood vessels.
- Due to a genetic mutation, sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to assume a crescent or “sickle” shape.
- These deformed red blood cells exhibit limited flexibility and can obstruct blood flow to various parts of the body.
Read more about Sickle-cell anemia
Source: The Hindu
Previous year question
Which one of the following statements best describes the role of B cells and T cells in the human body? [2022 prelims]
(a) They protect the body from environmental allergens.
(b) They alleviate the body’s pain and inflammation.
(c) They act as immunosuppressants in the body.
(d) They protect the body from the diseases caused by pathogens.
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cells. They play a critical role in keeping us healthy. Without them, we can’t survive. T cells protect us from infection. In our daily lives, we’re constantly exposed to pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. B cells create antibodies. B lymphocytes, also called B cells, create a type of protein called an antibody. These antibodies bind to pathogens or to foreign substances, such as toxins, to neutralize them.
