Why do sickle cell anemia cause so many problems?

Answer 1

A sickle cell is a malformed red blood cell. It is caused by a mutated gene inherited from one or both parents. If inherited from both parents the red cells are very malformed, causing sickle-cell anaemia. This is a serious illness, causing weakness and shortness of breath and often leading to an early death.

Mutations like this are usually steadily removed from the gene pool because those with it tend to have fewer children. The sickle-cell gene remains in the gene pool because those who get it from only one parent have a slightly deformed red-cell. This causes only limited problems for the bearer, and has one large advantage - it makes the red-cell taste nasty to the malaria parasite. In other words, it protects against malaria which is otherwise often fatal.

In areas where malaria is endemic it is common to find the sickle cell gene in about 15% of the population. When Africans came to the USA as slaves the gene came with them. However, malaria has never been common in the US, and the percentage of sickle-cell gene in black Americans has decreased steadily.

Answer 2

Hemoglobin (Hb) is a protein that has a particular amino acid structure. Normal hemoglobin is composed of an Alpha Beta chain. Sickle cell anemia is a mutation in the Beta globulin part where it becomes Hb S (S for sickle). This causes its shape to become more like a "sickle" and eventually destroy other red blood cells.

Answer 3

Sickle Cell Anemia is a hereditary abnormality among red blood cells where many of an affected persons blood cells are shaped like a sickle, which can cause blood flow blockages and many other health complications. If you have Sickle Cell Anemia, I would recommend talking to your doctor on treatment methods.