Migration of Hemoglobin in Alkaline Electrophoresis

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Migration of Hemoglobin in Alkaline Electrophoresis

Of the hemoglobins normally present in an adult, Hb A migrates the fastest, followed by Hb F. Hb A2 moves only slightly from the point of origin near the cathode.

Abnormal hemoglobins show the following migration patterns:
  • Hb C migrates with Hb A2 near the cathode.
  • Hb S lies between Hb A2 and Hb F.
  • Hb H (4 beta chains) and Bart's hemoglobin (4 gamma chains) are unstable and very fast moving, with Hb H being the faster of the two. They are located nearer the anode past Hb A .
Relative migrations of hemoglobin variants on alkaline electrophoresis can be seen below.