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It's caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin gene (a weird change that's basically in the red blood cell).

It has to come from two parents who both have a trait of sickle cell. Not all of their kids will have it though. Some kids might have the trait, while some will actually have sickle cell anemia, and some might have no trait of it at all. It's a strange, strange mutation.
Sickle cell disease is caused by a point mutation in the gene that codes for hemoglobin which is the primary protein found in the red blood cells. Basically, in the sequence of that gene, one letter changes and causes the entire structure of the hemoglobin molecule to change. The affinity of oxygen to hemoglobin decreases so the mutated red blood cell ends up carrying less oxygen compared to a normal red blood cell.

Due to this change, the red blood cell looks like a sickle so its is called a Sickle Cell Disease.

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11y ago
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13y ago

It is a genetic disorder that causes the red blood cells to form in an abnormal shape. It is called sickle cell because the shape of the red blood cells is more like the curved blade of the hay and weed cutting tool called a sickle, than it is like normal round red blood cells. These abnormally shaped cells can not perform their normal functions, get clogged, and impair the proper flow of blood.

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11y ago

You can't "get" sickle cell, you are born with it, but in some cases people don't know that they have it until later on in their lives. Both of the parents have to have sickle cell trait in order for their child to have sickle cell disease.

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13y ago

Sickle-cell disease is a group of genetic disorders caused by sickle hemoglobin (Hgb S or Hb S). Sickle cell disease or sickle cell anemia, inherited disorder. For the source and more detailed information concerning this subject, click on the related links section (Answers.com) indicated below.
small change in the DNA of a single gene
It's caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin gene (a weird change that's basically in the red blood cell).
Abnormal hemoglobin in your blood cells.

Hemoglobin is a protein in the blood cells that allows the cells to carry oxygen and gives them their red color. The abnormal hemoglobin causes the cells to turn from their usual donut shape to a C or sickle shape.
Sickle cell disease is the result of a genetically-transmitted flaw in the process that manufactures red blood cells.

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11y ago

Sickle cell anaemia is a genetical condition - so it is inherited

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12y ago

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disease. People who have the disease inherit two copies of the sickle cell gene-one from each parent.

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12y ago

An excess of hemoglobin.

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Q: Sickle cell disease is caused by?
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Related questions

What is the causative agent of sickle cell?

Sickle cell disease is caused when someone inherits sickle shaped hemoglobin. It is a disease that can be managed, but not cured.


Is sickle cell anemia an deficiency disease?

The sickle cell anaemia is not a deficiency disease. It is a hereditary disease caused by defective gene in both the parents.


Genetic disorder caused by bent or twisted cells?

Sickle Cell Disease


Sickle cell disease is caused by a?

small change in the DNA of a single gene


Is you kiss do you get sickle cell disease?

No. Sickle Cell is not an infectious disease, but is genetic.


Is sickle cell disease a blood cancer?

No, sickle cell disease is not cancerous.


Can you get sickle cell from your parents?

Yes, and this is the only way to get sickle cell disease or sickle cell anemia. Sickle cell (both the milder "disease" form and the more severe "anemia" form) are caused by an inherited mutation in a protein that helps form the red blood cells - the defect results in red blood cells that are shaped like crescents or sickles, which is how the disease gets its name.


What genetic disease may be caused by a change or mutation in the hemoglobin gene?

sickle-cell anemia.


What genetic disorder results in abnormally shaped blood?

Spherocytosis


Top 10 questions asked about sickle cell?

What is sickle cell disease?Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder that affects red blood cells. People with sickle cell disease have red blood cells that become hard and pointed instead of soft and round. Sickle cells cause anemia, pain and many other problems.Top2) What is sickle cell trait?If you have sickle cell trait, you have inherited the gene for sickle cell disease. Sickle cell trait does not turn into sickle cell disease. If someone has sickle cell trait and his partner has sickle cell trait they may produce a child with sickle cell disease. There are about 2.5 million people in America with sickle cell trait.Top3) If sickle cell trait is not an illness, why are people tested?Babies are tested to see if they have sickle cell disease. Teens and adults are tested mainly to see if they can have a baby with the disease.Top4) What medical problems are caused by sickle cell disease?Lung tissue damage, pain episodes and stroke. The blockage of blood flow caused by sickled cells also causes damage to most organs including the spleen, kidneys and liver.Top5) How many people have sickle cell disease?Sickle cell disease is a global health problem. In the United States it is estimated that over 70,000 people have sickle cell disease. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year in America.Top6) How long does a person with sickle cell disease live?The average life expectancy in America has improved. It is now in the mid 40 years of age range.Top7) Are people of African descent the only group affected?No. It is also present in Portuguese, Spanish, French Corsicans, Sardinians, Sicilians, mainland Italians, Greeks, Turks and Cypriots. Sickle cell disease also appears in Middle Eastern countries and Asia.Top8) Is there a cure?There is no universal cure for sickle cell disease. Research in gene therapy, the ultimate universal cure, is currently underway.Top9) What are some promising treatment developments?The use of hydroxyurea has shown promising results on some adult sickle cell patients. It reduces the frequency of severe pain, acute chest syndrome and the need for blood transfusions.Top10) Can people with sickle cell disease live a productive life?Yes. But like all patients with chronic disease, sickle cell patients are best managed in a comprehensive multi-disciplinary program of care and a strong extended support system.


How can sickle-cell disease be treated?

Stem cell or bone marrow transplants are the only cure for sickle cell disease


What are the causes of this disease and how is it transmitted sickle cell anemia?

it's caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin gene(a weird change that's basically in the red blood cell)disease is a group of genetic dis orders caused by sickle hemolobin(hgb s or hb s(