Sickle cell anemia is a disease that results in the destruction of the protein hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a molecule located in the red blood cells that is responsible for the delivery of oxygen to the cells to the entire human body. This disease is a reaction of a point mutation in the β-hemoglobin gene that leads to the synthesis of sickle hemoglobin, which distorts and injures the red blood cell (Solovieff, Hartley, Baldwin, Klings, Gladwin, Taylor, & Sebastiani, 2011). Healthy red blood cells are round and able to maneuver throughout the body very easily if they contain hemoglobin A, which is the desired protein. Unlike normal red blood cells, patients with sickle cell anemia develop a “sickle cell” shape, making the red blood cells incompetent
…show more content…
This disease is very prominent for being genetically inevitable and examined as a human interpretation of natural selection. E.B. Ford’s study in the 1940’s of human polymorphisms with an emphasis on different blood groups resulted in further research and understanding of the sickle cell trait. After obtaining a “sample of a patient’s blood on a slide under anoxic conditions and then examining for sickle cells after a period of 24–48 hours,” one could be informed whether or not they were carriers of the trait (Howe, 2007). These studies had taken place throughout the African continent primarily for the availability that the scientists had when examining both isolated and homogenous populations of tribal people and they’re various diseases (Howe, 2007). It was observed that there had been areas throughout the continent with higher frequencies of individuals heterozygous for the sickle-cell disease compared to others. Since the 1940’s, advanced research has been provided more clarification about the disease and ways to treat …show more content…
Not only is the sickle cell trait linked to that disease, but it is also associated with many other health disorders, especially renal failure. The trait is very prevalent in African Americans, an extreme 1 in every 12 members of the ethnic group have it. Victims of sickle cell anemia can also suffer from psychological and mental problems associated with identifying themselves as African Americans with the disease. They also commonly face a form of health insurance discrimination, making it even more dangerous. There are efforts being made nationwide to educate people about the disease, and to encourage African Americans to undergo genetic counseling. Campaigns like this will hopefully decrease the problems associated with HbAS and it’s victims. Although it is a very harmful condition, steps are being made by researchers to obtain a
This disease is very prominent for being genetically inevitable and examined as a human interpretation of natural selection. E.B. Ford’s study in the 1940’s of human polymorphisms with an emphasis on different blood groups resulted in further research and understanding of the sickle cell trait. After obtaining a “sample of a patient’s blood on a slide under anoxic conditions and then examining for sickle cells after a period of 24–48 hours,” one could be informed whether or not they were carriers of the trait (Howe, 2007). These studies had taken place throughout the African continent primarily for the availability that the scientists had when examining both isolated and homogenous populations of tribal people and they’re various diseases (Howe, 2007). It was observed that there had been areas throughout the continent with higher frequencies of individuals heterozygous for the sickle-cell disease compared to others. Since the 1940’s, advanced research has been provided more clarification about the disease and ways to treat …show more content…
Not only is the sickle cell trait linked to that disease, but it is also associated with many other health disorders, especially renal failure. The trait is very prevalent in African Americans, an extreme 1 in every 12 members of the ethnic group have it. Victims of sickle cell anemia can also suffer from psychological and mental problems associated with identifying themselves as African Americans with the disease. They also commonly face a form of health insurance discrimination, making it even more dangerous. There are efforts being made nationwide to educate people about the disease, and to encourage African Americans to undergo genetic counseling. Campaigns like this will hopefully decrease the problems associated with HbAS and it’s victims. Although it is a very harmful condition, steps are being made by researchers to obtain a