Genetic Synthesis Of Sickle Cell Disease

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Your DNA codes for everything you are, genetically and phenotypically. Sometimes, things go awry and mistakes are made. There is an abundance of genetic disorders from mutations that happen in nature constantly. With these mutations come consequences. One of these is sickle-cell disease. Sickle-cell disease is a blood disorder genetically caused by a point mutation in the β-globin trait . A point mutation defined by “Principles of Life” is “a result from a gain, loss, or substitution of a single nucleotide.” This single change to the gene codes for a polypeptide and not the normally needed protein. Instead of coding for a glutamic acid, it codes for a valine. This disorder is recessive, meaning a person would need two recessive alleles with the mutation from both parents to obtain the disease. People with just one allele are able to be healthy carriers of the disease. …show more content…

Hemoglobin, which carries oxygen through the blood, is affected. People with sickle-cell disease have the abnormal molecule of hemoglobin S. This results in the red blood cells acquiring a crescent shape instead of the regular circular shape. . These oddly shaped cells sometimes block capillaries and therefore lead to tissue damage.THere are also exterior symptoms. Sickle-cell disease also is accompanied by dactylitis, the swelling of hands and feet. It also may cause jaundice, a yellow coloring of the skin. Fatigue and restlessness can also be of a

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