Normal red blood cells and sickle cell diseased cells differ in their capacity to deliver oxygen in a few important ways. One difference is each cell's respective flexibility. Normal red blood cells are flexible and are able to move through small and large vessels. Sickle cells are not flexible. Every cell may not be the sickle or crescent shaped but will be irregularly shaped. These shapes and the cell's inability to flex prevent them from maneuvering in and out of small vessels therefore preventing the tissues to receive the oxygen they need. This can cause pain for the person and eventually damage to the organs and tissues. The inability to flex and change shape also causes the sickle cells to hemolyze easily. The normal red blood
