Figure 2:Schematic representation of the ineffective erythropoiesis which is central to the pathogenesis of β-thal. Intramedullary destruction is due to the precipitation of free α-Hb in the late erythroblasts (A). Precipitation of free α-Hb in theerythrocytes (cytoplasmic free α-Hb) (B) result in the formation of multiple inclusions that bind to or modify the mature red cell membrane proteins (membrane-bound free α-Hb), causing thalassemic red cells to be rigid and deformed resulting in shortening of these cells lifespan (Hemolysis). The schematic representation of the varying amount of α-Hb precipitation was based on virtual micrographs [2-5,7]. α-Hb = alpha haemoglobin, β-thal = beta-thalassaemia.