hemoglobin S

hemoglobin S definition - medical

hemoglobin S

noun Abbr. Hb S
An abnormal hemoglobin in which valine has replaced glutamic acid causing the hemoglobin to become less soluble under decreasing oxygen concentrations and to polymerize into crystals that distort the red blood cells into a sickle shape. Also called sickle cell hemoglobin.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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