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ß-globin, a subunit of hemoglobin, is a small protein (146 amino acids) that transports oxygen throughout our bodies. This protein has a ring-like heme group, which contains an iron atom that binds the oxygen. This subunit also contains the glutamic acid at position 6 that, when changed to valine, results in the sickle cell mutation. Other changes to the β-globin subunit may also result in human disease. Varying severities of betathalassemia can develop as a result of a damaged or completely missing β-globin.
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