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Home/Anthropology/Mains PYQ/2024/Paper I/Human Genetics & Human Biology
UPSC MainsAnthropology Optional Paper I 2024 10 Marks Model Answer Available

Hemoglobin in Health and Disease — 2024 Paper I

Question · 2024 · Paper I · 10 Marks

Hemoglobin in health and disease

Model Answer

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Introduction

Haemoglobin is an iron-containing protein present in red blood cells. It carries oxygen from the lungs to body tissues and assists in returning carbon dioxide to the lungs. Linus Pauling and colleagues (1949) described sickle-cell anaemia as a “molecular disease,” establishing a link between genetic mutation, altered haemoglobin and disease.

Haemoglobin in Health

Normal haemoglobin contains four globin chains, each attached to an iron-containing haem group. Its major forms are:

  • HbA: the main adult haemoglobin
  • HbA2: a minor adult form
  • HbF: foetal haemoglobin, which has a greater attraction for oxygen

Its major functions are:

  • transporting oxygen to body tissues;
  • carrying part of the carbon dioxide back to the lungs;
  • maintaining the acid–base balance of blood;
  • releasing more oxygen in active tissues where carbon dioxide is high.

Haemoglobin in Disease

Structural abnormalities

A genetic mutation may change the structure of haemoglobin.

In sickle-cell disease, valine replaces glutamic acid at the sixth position of the β-chain.

Under low oxygen conditions, HbS molecules stick together and make red blood cells rigid and sickle-shaped.

This causes anaemia, pain, blocked blood vessels and organ damage.

Other structural variants include HbC, HbE and HbD.

Reduced production of haemoglobin chains

In thalassaemia, the body produces insufficient α- or β-globin chains. This leads to destruction of red cells and severe anaemia. Serious cases may require regular blood transfusions and iron-removing medicines.

Other conditions

  • Iron-deficiency anaemia: reduced haemoglobin formation because of insufficient iron.
  • Carbon-monoxide poisoning: carbon monoxide binds strongly with haemoglobin and prevents oxygen transport.
  • Polycythaemia: excessive red blood cells increase blood thickness and the risk of clotting.

Anthropological Significance

Haemoglobin variants reveal the relationship between genes, environment and population history. J. B. S. Haldane (1949) connected blood disorders with malaria, while A. C. Allison (1954) showed that sickle-cell carriers have partial protection against severe malaria. This is a classic example of balanced polymorphism.

In India, HbS is found among several populations of central, western and southern India, while HbE is common in the North-East. Their distribution reflects natural selection, migration, endogamy, genetic drift and founder effect—not fixed racial divisions.

Conclusion

Haemoglobin is essential for respiration and bodily balance. Its disorders demonstrate how mutation, ecology, mating patterns and population history jointly shape human biological variation. Thus, haemoglobin is important to both medical genetics and biological anthropology.

2026 Distinguishing features of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. 2026 How would you find out that a particular disease/disorder is inherited and, if so, in which manner? Elaborate with suitable examples. 2026 What do you understand by fertility and mortality? How are these influenced by biological and socio-ecological factors? 2026 In what manner is our understanding of serogenetics and cytogenetics useful in reproductive biology? What are the major ethical issues involved in reproductive technology?

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UPSC Anthropology Optional 2024 — Paper I

28 questions

1(a) Attributes of culture

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > Nature of Culture > Characteristics of Culture > Attributes of culture
2024Paper ICulture & SocietyModel answer available

5(d) Authority and forms of political organization

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > Political Organization and Social Control > Power, Authority and Legitimacy > Band, tribe, chiefdom, state
2024Paper IEconomic & Political AnthropologyModel answer available

5(a) Chronometric dating

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > Prehistoric Archaeology > Chronology and Dating > Chronometric (absolute) dating methods
2024Paper IPrehistoric ArchaeologyModel answer available

5(b) Cultural relevance of the Kula

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > Economic Organization > Reciprocity and Exchange > Kula ring
2024Paper IEconomic & Political AnthropologyModel answer available

1(b) Harappan maritime trade

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > Prehistoric Archaeology > Chalcolithic and Bronze Age > Harappan civilization; maritime trade
2024Paper IPrehistoric ArchaeologyModel answer available

1(e) Hemoglobin in health and disease

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > Human Genetics > Genetic Polymorphism > Haemoglobinopathies; health and disease
2024Paper IHuman Genetics & Human BiologyModel answer available

5(c) Heritability and its estimation

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > Human Genetics > Quantitative Genetics > Heritability and its estimation
2024Paper IHuman Genetics & Human BiologyModel answer available

1(d) Lethal and sublethal genes

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > Human Genetics > Mendelian Genetics in Man > Lethal and sublethal genes
2024Paper IHuman Genetics & Human BiologyModel answer available

5(e) Single-gene mutation disorders in man

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > Human Genetics > Mutation and Genetic Disorders > Single-gene disorders
2024Paper IHuman Genetics & Human BiologyModel answer available