Sickle Cell Anemia

Definition

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder characterized by the production of abnormal hemoglobin, causing red blood cells to become misshapen and break down easily. This leads to a reduced ability of the blood to carry oxygen, resulting in various health problems.

Related terms

Hemoglobin:

Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that binds to oxygen and carries it from the lungs to other tissues in the body.

Genetic Mutation: A genetic mutation refers to a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence that can lead to changes in traits or increased susceptibility to certain diseases.

Homozygous: Homozygous refers to having two identical alleles for a particular gene. In the case of sickle cell anemia, individuals who have sickle cell disease are homozygous for the recessive allele that causes it.