Hemolysis

fxn of rbcs

carry oxygen from lungs to body

structure of hemogloblin

4 protein chains, 2 alpha chains, 2 beta chains for oxygen to bind to

alpha hemolysis looks

greenish

beta hemolysis looks

clear

gamma hemolysis looks

no change

alpha hemolysis breakdown of rbc

partial

beta hemolysis breakdown of rbc

full

gamma hemolysis breakdown of rbc

no hemolysis

alpha hemolysis production (how effective are they)

partially effective

beta hemolysis production (how effective are they)

fully effective

gamma hemolysis production (how effective are they)

does not produce hemolysin

alpha hemolysis mechanism

hydrogen peroxide produces, reacts with hemoglobin

beta hemolysis mechanism

exotoxins produce, lyse (rupture) red blood cells

gamma hemolysis mechanism

does not make hemolysin

alpha hemolysis pathogenicity

may or may not be pathogenic

beta hemolysis pathogenicity

often pathogenic

gamma hemolysis pathogenicity

may or may not be pathogenic

alpha hemolysis diagnostic tool

identifies certain bacterial species

beta hemolysis diagnostic tool

identities certain bacterial species

gamma hemolysis diagnostic tool

alpha hemolysis diagnostic tool

why does beta hemolysis stay clear

complete lysis (breakdown) of rbc = denaturation of hemoglobin = colorless products

why does alpha hemolysis turn green

partially broken down rbc = oxidize hemoglobin into methemoglobin = green pigment