Hemoglobins XLV. The Amino Acid Sequence of Pheasant(Phasianus colchicus colchicus)Hemoglobins

Abstract

Pheasant Hb is heterogenous and contains 2 components: a major one called HbA (70% of total amount) and a minor one called HbD (25% of total amount). HbA contains .alpha.A-chain, while HbD contains .alpha.D-chain. The amino acid sequences of both Hb are given. The sequences were determined by automatic Edman degradation of tryptic peptides and peptides obtained by specific chemical cleavages. Between .alpha.A- and .alpha.D-chains a large difference of 57 amio acids was found. The primary structures of .beta.-chains from both Hb are identical. The .alpha.A-chains contain no tryptophan, only 1 methionine and 2 cysteines. The .alpha.D-chains contain 1 tryptophan, 4 methionines and 1 cysteine. By homologous comparison with graylag goose Hb the .alpha.A-chains differ by 19 exchanges, .beta.-chains by 7 exchanges. The .alpha.D-chains differ by 10 exchanges in comparison to .alpha.D-chains from chicken Hb D. In the .alpha.A-chains valine was found in position .alpha.63 (E12) as was the case for .alpha.-chains of barheaded goose. In the .alpha.D-chains, however, leucine was found in this position.