Explain why haemoglobin in Sickle Cell Anaemia is less effective at carrying oxygen.

The mutation present in sickle cell anaemia causes a change in the primary structure of amino acids in the haemoglobin molecule. This change in primary structure changes the tertiary structure of a haemoglobin peptide chain meaning that its unique 3D shape is different. This change in shape means that the molecule is less complementary to oxygen molecules making association harder.

Answered by Kit T. Biology tutor

2005 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Compare and contrast the similarities and differences between meiosis and mitosis.


how might a competitive inhibitor prevent the enzyme trypsin from working


How may allopatric and sympatric speciation be distinguished? (4 marks)


Guillain-Barré syndrome and multiple sclerosis both cause muscle weakness and loss of muscle function. Suggest and describe how the function of neuromuscular junctions will be affected by Guillain-Barré syndrome and multiple sclerosis.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences