Question

Over 100 different kinds of mutant haemoglobin molecules have been detected in humans, unlike sickle cell anaemia, not all these mutations are as serious In one non-lethal mutation, glutamine substitutes for a single glutamic acid in normal haemoglobin. Rationalize why this substitution is non-lethal

Short answer

The substitution is non-lethal, because they have similar structure.

Step-by-step solution

To rationalize the substitution is non-lethal

As we can see from the picture below, they have a very similar structure. Only group is replaced with${\text{- NH}}_{\text{2}}$ Furthermore, they have almost the same size and polarity.

Hence The substitution is non-lethal , Because they have similar structure.