5 Questions
Which gene is responsible for sickle cell anaemia?
HbS
What is the shape of the red blood cells in sickle cell anaemia?
C-shaped
Why do the misshapen blood cells in sickle cell anaemia not transport oxygen effectively?
They cannot pass through small blood vessels
What is the allele for normal haemoglobin?
HbA
What is the term for individuals who have both normal and sickle red blood cells?
Heterozygous
Study Notes
Sickle Cell Anaemia
- The gene responsible for sickle cell anaemia is HBB (haemoglobin subunit beta).
Red Blood Cells
- In sickle cell anaemia, red blood cells are misshapen and crescent-shaped, rather than the normal disc shape.
Oxygen Transport
- The misshapen cells in sickle cell anaemia do not transport oxygen effectively because they get stuck in small blood vessels, blocking oxygen delivery to tissues and organs.
Haemoglobin Alleles
- The allele for normal haemoglobin is HbA (haemoglobin A).
Genetic Status
- Individuals who have both normal and sickle red blood cells are known as carriers or have sickle cell trait.
Test your knowledge of sickle cell anemia and its genetic characteristics. Learn about the codominant inheritance, effects on red blood cells, and the role of specific gene forms in causing this condition. Explore how sickle cell anemia leads to impaired oxygen transport, blockages, and tissue damage. Challenge yourself to identify the alleles for normal and sickle cell hemoglobin.
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