A Fœtal Form of Myoglobin

Abstract

THE existence of two forms of hæmoglobin is well known. The fœtal form is found in the fœtus and in the new-born mammal, the other occurring in the older individual. It is remarkable that whereas the character of the hæmoglobin depends on genetic structure, this protein changes its composition during the growth of the individual. That this change is a profound one is apparent from the differences in amino-acid composition of fœtal and later hæmoglobin. The fact that in the so-called Mediterranean anæmia, which is a hereditary inborn error in metabolism, the fœtal form of hæmoglobin is still present in the older individual, indicates that replacement also of the fœtal hæmoglobin by the adult form is governed by hereditary factors.