What is sickle cell anemia?

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder that specifically affects hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. This disorder is caused by a mutation in the gene that encodes the beta chain of hemoglobin, leading to the production of an abnormal form of the protein. As a result, the red blood cells can take on a characteristic sickle or crescent shape, which can lead to various complications such as blockages in blood flow, pain crises, and an increased risk of infections.

The distinction of sickle cell anemia as a genetic disorder is crucial because it illustrates the hereditary nature of the condition. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning that an individual must receive two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to develop the disease. This aspect of sickle cell anemia is fundamental in understanding its treatment and management, as well as its prevalence in certain populations, particularly those of African, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern descent.

Other choices relate to diseases that are distinctly different from sickle cell anemia. For instance, respiratory illnesses pertain to conditions affecting the lungs and airways, while bacterial infections are caused by pathogenic bacteria. Autoimmune diseases involve the immune system mistakenly attacking the body's own