Sickle Cell Anemia and Its Traits

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Questions and Answers

What is the main cause of the symptoms experienced by individuals with sickle cell anemia?

Tissue damage

Crescent-like shape of red blood cells (correct)

Swelling

High fever and severe pain

What is the advantage of having the sickle cell trait according to the text?

Immunity to malaria (correct)

Immunity to high fever

Immunity to severe pain

Immunity to tissue damage

In terms of genetics, what is the difference between genotype and phenotype?

Genotype refers to dominant traits, phenotype refers to inferior traits.

Genotype is genetic makeup, phenotype is physical characteristics. (correct)

Genotype is physical characteristics inherited from parents, phenotype is genetic makeup.

Genotype controls characteristics, phenotype carries sequences of DNA.

What term is used to describe a specific version of a gene?

Allele Signup and view all the answers

What does polygenic mean in the context of genetics?

Controlled by more than one gene Signup and view all the answers

What interaction does environmental interaction refer to in genetics?

Unique interplay between genetics and surroundings Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic defines sickle cell anemia?

Clogged blood vessels Signup and view all the answers

How does the sickle cell trait differ from full-blown sickle cell disease?

Sickle cell trait individuals are immune to Malaria, while full-blown sickle cell individuals are not Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the sickle cell trait in terms of protection against Malaria?

It provides immunity to Malaria Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between genotype and phenotype?

Genotype and phenotype interact to determine physical characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'allele' refer to in genetics?

A specific version of a gene Signup and view all the answers

In genetics, what characterizes a homozygous individual?

They have two identical alleles for a gene Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of genes in contributing to certain patterns of behavior and cognition?

Partially control certain characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What do evolutionary psychologists primarily focus on studying?

Universal behavior patterns evolved over time Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to the genetic makeup of an individual?

Genotype Signup and view all the answers

In genetics, what does being homozygous mean?

Having two copies of the same allele Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between genotype and phenotype?

Genotype is genetic makeup, while phenotype is physical characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to a species' adaptation to its environment?

Gene variation Signup and view all the answers

What results from a sudden and permanent change in a gene?

Mutation Signup and view all the answers

What term describes a characteristic controlled by more than one gene?

Polygenic trait Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'allele' specifically represent?

A specific version of a gene Signup and view all the answers

What concept describes the unique interaction between an individual's genetic makeup and their environment?

Gene-environment interplay Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sickle Cell Anemia and Genetics

Symptoms of sickle cell anemia primarily arise from the distortion of red blood cells, which impairs blood flow and leads to pain and potential organ damage.
Individuals with the sickle cell trait have a genetic advantage as they possess some resistance to malaria, while not suffering from the full effects of sickle cell disease.
Genotype refers to the specific genetic constitution of an individual, while phenotype encompasses the physical expression of those genes influenced by environmental factors.
An allele represents a specific version of a gene, contributing to variations in traits.
Polygenic implies that a characteristic is influenced by multiple genes, rather than a single gene.
Environmental interaction in genetics involves how environmental factors affect the expression of genes and phenotypes.
Sickle cell anemia is characterized by the production of hemoglobin S, which causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped under low oxygen conditions.
The sickle cell trait differs from full-blown sickle cell disease in that carriers (trait individuals) typically do not exhibit severe symptoms, unlike those with the disease who face significant health challenges.
The sickle cell trait's significance lies in its protection against malaria; individuals with the trait may have enhanced survival rates in malaria-endemic regions.
Genotype and phenotype are interrelated, as genotype determines the genetic potential for a phenotype but environmental factors also play a crucial role in phenotype expression.
In genetics, an allele indicates alternative forms of a gene that arise by mutation.
A homozygous individual has two identical alleles for a specific gene, affecting trait expression.
Genes play a substantial role in shaping behaviors and cognitive processes, linking genetics and psychology.
Evolutionary psychologists primarily study the underlying psychological traits shaped by evolutionary processes.
The genetic makeup of an individual is referred to as their genotype.
Being homozygous means possessing identical alleles for a specific trait.
Differences between genotype and phenotype are significant, with genotype being the genetic basis while phenotype represents observable traits.
Adaptation to the environment is influenced by natural selection and genetic variability within a species.
A mutation results from a sudden and permanent change in a gene, which can lead to new traits or diseases.
A characteristic controlled by more than one gene is known as polygenic, contributing to the complexity of inherited traits.
Alleles specifically represent variations of a gene that can manifest in different ways within individuals.
The concept of gene-environment interaction describes the unique influences of genetic makeup on how individuals respond to their environment.

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Description

Explore the genetic disease of sickle cell anemia, which causes red blood cells to have a crescent-like shape. Learn about the symptoms it can lead to, the difference between sickle cell trait and full-blown sickle cell, and how carriers are immune to malaria.