The Primary Structure of αA- and β-Chains from Blue-and-Yellow Macaw(Ara ararauna,Psittaci) Hemoglobin. No Evidence for Expression of αD-Chains

Abstract
The HbA of the blue-and-yellow macaw (A. ararauna) was isolated and characterized. The complete amino-acid sequence of .alpha.A-and .beta.-chains is presented. In contrast to some adult avian Hb already investigated, blue-and-yellow macaw Hb is homogeneous and contains only 1 component: HbA. The minor component, HbD, which is usually present in the hemolysate of avian erythrocytes, could not be detected. There is no evidence for the expression of the .alpha.D-globin gene. Comparison of .alpha.A- and .beta.-chains from blue-and-yellow macaw Hb with corresponding chains from Greylag goose Hb shows 19 amino-acid exchanges between .alpha.A-chains and 6 between .beta.-chains. The structure-function relationships of Hb chains and the evolutionary aspects are discussed in view of these results.

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