Unlike beta-thalassaemia, alpha thalassaemia is often caused by gene deletions, although mutations in the a-globin chains may also occur
The gene coding for this protein is on chromosome 16
Unlike beta thalassaemia - at least one of four functioning copies of the alpha globin gene is required to support life. In its absence, gamma globin monomors form the unstable haemoglobin Barts tetramer, which has a very high oxygen affinity - causing generalised tissue hypoxia