Question

What is sickle cell anemia?

Answer 1

The gene mutation can cause various disorders. The sickle cell anemia is the disorder caused due to mutation in the gene. The single gene can show various expressions. The sickle cell red blood cell occurs due to change in genes. The dominant gene expresses itself and suppresses the recessive gene.

Complete answer:
Sickle cell anemia is the disorder in the red blood cells. It is the inherited sex-linked autosomal disorder. It is the sex linked disease. In the normal condition, round red blood cells move easily through blood vessels. The shape of red blood cells becomes sickle or crescent moon. The sickle cells can get stuck in small blood vessels due to which can slow or block blood flow and oxygen to other parts of the body. It occurs by gene mutation. The codons change from GAG to GTG. The GTG codes as GUG which codes for valine.

Symptoms of sickle cell anemia are:
• Shortage of red blood cells causes shortage of oxygen and causes fatigue.
• It also causes periodic episodes of pain. Blocking of vessels causes pain.
• Hands and feet swell.
• Spleen damage.
• Delayed growth or puberty
• It also causes vision problems
• Treatment of sickle cell anemia includes medications, blood transfusions. Stem cell transplant can be done to cure the disease.

Note: Sickle cell trait can pass by both mother and father. The normal hemoglobin, sickle cell hemoglobin and carrier genes can be found in the progenies. If the baby has sickle cell then both the parents must carry a sickle cell gene. Sickle cell anemia can be prevented by drinking plenty of water. If the body remains hydrated, red blood cells remain round.