In hemoglobin electrophoresis at pH 8.6, what is the correct order of hemoglobin migration?

In hemoglobin electrophoresis at pH 8.6, different types of hemoglobin migrate at different rates based on their charge. At this pH, the hemoglobin variant forms exhibit distinct electrophoretic mobilities due to the presence of charged amino acids in their structure.

The correct order of migration is determined by the net charge of each hemoglobin type. Hemoglobin A (the normal adult hemoglobin) is neutral and migrates the fastest, followed by hemoglobin C, which has a slight negative charge due to its sequence change. Hemoglobin F (fetal hemoglobin) is positively charged relative to hemoglobin A and migrates slower than A but faster than hemoglobin S (sickle cell hemoglobin), which is negatively charged and migrates the slowest due to its altered structure affecting its overall charge and size.

Thus, in this setting, the order of migration results in C migrating slower than A, but faster than S and F, leading to the sequence C-S-F-A. The order provided in the correct answer indicates the migration patterns accurately reflecting these charges and characteristics of the hemoglobin variants.

Understanding the behaviors of the hemoglobins during electrophoresis is crucial for identifying sickle cell trait or disease and