Sickle-cell Anemia At Biology Glossary

What is it? Potentially lethal human disease, inherited as an autosomal recessive, caused by a mutation in a gene coding for the beta subunit of the oxygen-transporting protein haemoglobin. Under conditions of low oxygen tension, the altered beta-globin molecule causes haemoglobin to aggregate forming rod-like arrays that distort the cell membrane forcing red blood cells to become sickle-shaped. The sickled red blood cells are damaged and rapidly removed from the circulation causing anaemia.

Bio Definition Added By: Leah

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