Sickle-Cell Disease

Definition

Sickle-cell disease is an inherited disorder where red blood cells become misshapen and break down more rapidly than normal, leading to anemia. It's caused by a mutation in the gene that codes for hemoglobin.

Related terms

Hemoglobin:

The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen; it's mutated in sickle-cell disease.

Mutation:

A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to changes in the protein produced; the cause of sickle-cell disease.

Anemia: A condition where your body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your tissues; a symptom of sickle-cell disease.