Sickle Cell Anemia Overview

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Questions and Answers

What type of genetic inheritance pattern does sickle cell anemia follow?

  • Autosomal dominant
  • Mitochondrial inheritance
  • Autosomal recessive (correct)
  • X-linked recessive

What is the primary type of hemoglobin expressed during fetal development?

  • HbD
  • HbS
  • HbF (correct)
  • HbA

What is the consequence of the DNA substitution in sickle cell anemia?

  • Change from glutamic acid to valine (correct)
  • Increased oxygen affinity
  • Formation of HbA
  • Elimination of α-globin chains

What is a characteristic of sickled red blood cells (RBCs)?

<p>They may become lodged in the microvasculature (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does βS signify in sickle cell anemia?

<p>Inheritance of the sickle β-globin gene (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Sickle cell anemia

An inherited blood disorder caused by a genetic mutation in the beta-globin gene.

Hemoglobin (Hgb)

The protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.

DNA substitution

The genetic mutation in sickle cell anemia involves a change in the DNA sequence of the beta-globin gene.

Sickled red blood cells (RBCs)

Red blood cells that are shaped like sickles due to the abnormal hemoglobin.

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Hemolysis

The process of red blood cells breaking down prematurely.

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Study Notes

Sickle Cell Anemia

  • Sickle cell anemia is an inherited, autosomal recessive disorder affecting hemoglobin (Hgb).
  • The disorder is caused by a DNA substitution at the β-globin gene.
  • Hemoglobin is composed of two α-globin chains and two β-globin chains (α2β2) in adults.
  • During fetal development, γ-globin is the primary expressed globin, forming fetal hemoglobin (HbF or α2γ2).
  • The genetic mutation causing sickle cell anemia involves the substitution of a thymidine for an adenine in the glutamic acid codon, resulting in a valine instead of glutamic acid at position 6.
  • The resulting hemoglobin variant, known as βS, has a more negative charge than normal HbA,
  • In the deoxygenated state, the mutated hemoglobin aggregates and polymerizes, causing red blood cells (RBCs) to sickle.
  • Sickled RBCs are more rigid and can get stuck in small blood vessels (microvasculature), leading to blockages (vascular occlusions) and the breakdown of red blood cells (hemolysis).

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