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Sickle Cell Anemia Research Paper

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Sickle-cell Anemia is a disorder that is typically inherited from a person's parents. Sickle-cell anemia results in an abnormality in the oxygen-carrying protein haemoglobin (haemoglobin S) that is found in red blood cells. In such a condition the red blood cells contort into a sickle shape. The affected cells die early which results to a shortage of healthy red blood cells and can block blood flow causing pain. The disease s caused by gene mutation through the process of substitution. In the Sickle-cell condition one Amino Acid; glutamic acid is always replaced by another acid valine. This happens in each of the two polypeptide chains of the haemoglobin molecule.This alteration results to a haemoglobin type S that is defective and is genetically …show more content…

In a sickle cell cases, the individual red blood cells are sickle shaped. Such an individual experience a deficit in oxygen supply to the tissues in the body and therefore they cannot be engaged in strenuous physical activities or exercises (Peterson, 2009).
It is pertinent to note that because of the sickle shaped cells, they cannot therefore squeeze through the capillaries. The cells thus end up clogging blood vessels presenting normal blood flow to other cell and tissues in the body. The blockage results into severe pain joints, as well as arms, legs and the stomach..It is pertinent to observe that people suffering from this condition can live normal lives with close medical attention.
Sickle cell anemia has a less serious condition known as Sickle Cell traits. This is a heterozygous condition where less than half of the number of red blood cells is sickle shaped while the rest are normal and they are involved inefficient oxygen loading. An individual with the sickle cell trait experiences a mild case of anemia but always leads a normal life. Treatments that have been prescribed for the sickle cell condition include medication as well as blood transfusions and rarely a bone-marrow

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