sickle cell anaemia

Question 1

what is sickle cell anemia?

Answer 1

a mutation causing a missing enzyme responsible for normal hemoglobin production
- causes red blood cells to be crescent-shaped = decreases oxygen capacity

Question 2

where is it?

Answer 2

Black African Community (malaria prone)

Question 3

why is it still present?

Answer 3

due to natural selection for the survival against malaria

Question 4

describe the condition of homozygous sickle cell anemia

Answer 4

• sickle cell anemia = have the disease
• RBC = sickle-shaped
• Decrease oxygen carrying capacity
• Clump + block vessels

Question 5

describe the condition of heterozygous sickle cell anemia

Answer 5

• Sickle cell trait = carriers of alleles
• Mild sickling of RBC
• No ill effects unless limited oxygen
• Provides malaria immunity