Amino acids and protein structure
Biochemistry Basics · Chemistry
Study notes
Sickle-cell disease comes from one amino acid change. Explain. Step 1: Haemoglobin's β-chain: glutamate (Glu, polar) → valine (Val, non-polar) at position 6. Step 2: One wrong R group creates a sticky hydrophobic patch. Step 3: Deoxygenated Hb polymerizes into fibres → sickled RBCs. Step 4: One amino acid → disease. Primary structure is destiny!