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Summary: The Genetic Disease Sickle Cell Anemia

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The genetic disease sickle cell anemia is a very fascinating disease. I was glad and beyond astonished on how this genetic disease was discovered, described, treated, and all the obstacles the carrier had to weave through each and every day. Sickle cell anemia is actually carried on the 11th chromosome. Chromosome 11 codes for the beta subunit of the hemoglobin protein. As a result, since the chromosome is damaged it cannot produce hemoglobin for the cell causing the cell to form into a “C” or sickle shape, hence the name sickle cell anemia. Sickle cell can cause hand-foot syndrome which is swelling of your hands or feet, very common in infected newborns. You can also experience episodes of pain. It is the most common symptom to deal with.

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