ON DISSOCIATION AND RECOMBINATION OF HUMAN ADULT HEMOGLOBINS A, S, AND C

Abstract

Our studies deal with Hb A and the abnormal adult forms, S (sickle cell) and C.4,5. Their comparative ultracentrifugal properties at different acid pHs were found to be indistinguishable, indicating that the 3 types of hemoglobin are equally susceptible to reversible acid dissociation. Mixtures containing the 3 possible pairs of these types were acidified and neutralized. The sedimentation behavior of the neutralized samples showed that reassociation had occurred; however, electrophoretic analyses gave no indication of the presence of hybrid molecules. Genetic implications of the absence of hybrid formation are discussed.