3. Physiology
        3.6. Haematology
            3.6.1. Blood cells
                3.6.1.3. Red blood cells
3.6.1.3.1. Haemoglobin

Haemoglobin

[Ref: WG21:p536-539; KB:p211]

Haemoglobin structure

Other species

Haemoglobin synthesis

Steps in Hb synthesis

Condensation of glycine and succinyl-CoA
--> Protoporphyrin
* Catalyzed by delta-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) synthase
* Co-enzyme: pyridoxal phosphate (vitamin B6)
* This first step is also the rate-limiting step

--> Protoporphyrin combines with iron (Fe2+) to form haem (or heme)
* Catalyzed by ferrochelatase

ALA synthase

In foetal life

Foetal haemoglobin (HbF)

Beta globin only appears after 6 months in foetal life

RBC breakdown

[KB2:p211]

Haemoglobin breakdown

## Haematology_-_Haemoglobin_breakdown_20050402-02.png

NB:



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