Question

What would be the consequences of a deficiency of hemoglobin in our body?

Answer 1

The protein which is found in the red blood cell, responsible for carrying oxygen to the body part from the lungs and carbon dioxide from the cells of the body to the lungs is known as hemoglobin. It is a metalloprotein that carries an iron ion at the center. Hemoglobin possesses two alpha subunits and two beta subunits. The heme group is present in each of the subunits.

Complete answer:

When the hemoglobin level in the blood decreases from its optimal level it leads to a condition called anemia. The individual with anemia is called anemic.
Anemia can be developed for several reasons like lower production of red blood cells, insufficient synthesis of hemoglobin, improper functions of red blood cell or hemoglobin, intake of poor diet, loss of blood due to some diseases like cancer, ulcer, etc.
The consequences of hemoglobin deficiency in our body are given below:
The body will feel weak due to insufficient hemoglobin. Hemoglobin carries oxygen to the body cells.
Oxygen is needed to produce ATP. Lower hemoglobin causes lower production of energy that results in weakness.
The respiratory problem can be developed from the deficiency of hemoglobin. Due to a low level of hemoglobin oxygen level decreases. The decrease in oxygen hampers the normal activity of muscle cells. > To maintain the stability muscle cells body starts to increase breathing rate to consume more oxygen.
Thus breathing shortness occurs.
Paleness of Skin: Hemoglobin is responsible for providing the red color of the RBC. Haemoglobin deficiency may cause paleness in inner lips, nails, lower eyelids, gum, etc.
Deficiency of hemoglobin can lead to an irregular heartbeat.
A lower hemoglobin level can cause a headache as it can’t supply enough oxygen to the brain cells.
An insufficient amount of hemoglobin can also make skin and hair damaged and dry.

Note: Each hemoglobin is capable of carrying four oxygen molecules at a time. Red blood cell comprises a disc-like shape which is maintained by the help of hemoglobin. The optimal hemoglobin level of a man and woman is 13.5g/dL and 12 g/dL respectively. Dehydration, heart disease, smoking can increase the hemoglobin level of an individual.