Sickle Cell Anemia - Does This Explain Diversity?

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Introduction to Anthropology Assignment 1 Using our understanding of DNA molecules, RNA, and genetic drift flow, answer the following question:- Q) What is Sickle Cell Anemia? Does this explain diversity? A) Sickle Cell Anemia was first described in 1910 by James Herrick, as an inherited condition those results in a decrease in the ability of Red Blood Cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. They become clogged, due to their shape, in the small blood vessels and therefore do not deliver oxygen to the tissues. Lack of tissue oxygenation causes unbearable pain, damage to the body organs and could cause even death. Sickle cell Disease (SCD) is a serious disorder in which the body makes sickle-shaped red blood cells. “Sickle-shaped” means that the red blood cells are shaped like a crescent. Sickle cell anemia is caused by an abnormal type of hemoglobin called hemoglobin S. Hemoglobin is a protein inside red blood cells that carries oxygen. Hemoglobin S changes the shape of red blood cells, especially when the cells are exposed to low oxygen levels. Red blood cells are made in the spongy marrow inside the large bones of the body. Bone marrow is always making new red blood cells to replace old ones. Normal red blood cells live about 120 days in the bloodstream and then die. They carry oxygen and remove carbon dioxide (a waste product) from your body. In sickle cell anemia, the number of red blood cells is low because sickle cells don't last very long. Sickle cells usually die after only about 10 to 20 days. The bone marrow can't make new red blood cells fast enough to replace the dying ones. Genetics * 2 copies of the gene for Hb (each parent) * HbS –Recessive * S=Sickle * A=Normal Genetics * 2 copies of the gene for Hb (each parent) * HbS –Recessive * S=Sickle * A=Normal Sickle cell anemia is an inherited,

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