Which hemoglobin is expected to migrate furthest toward the cathode in an acid buffer?

In an acid buffer, hemoglobin molecules are influenced by their degree of positive charge, which affects their mobility during electrophoresis. Hemoglobin F (fetal hemoglobin) is known to be more negatively charged than adult hemoglobin A due to differences in its amino acid composition.

When placed in an acidic environment, hemoglobin F's increased negative charge allows it to migrate towards the positively charged electrode (the anode) more effectively. Conversely, adult hemoglobin A has a slightly lesser negative charge in comparison. Hemoglobin C and S, on the other hand, have varying net charges that do not allow them to migrate as far towards the cathode.

Thus, in the context of electrophoresis in an acidic buffer, hemoglobin F will migrate the furthest towards the cathode due to its higher negative charge, making it the expected hemoglobin to travel the greatest distance in this scenario.