Hemoglobin is a protein present in red blood cells. In the genetic disease sickle cell anemia, there is a mutation in the HBB gene that codes for the hemoglobin protein. The mutation results in hemoglobin proteins that clump together abnormally in cells. This leads to red blood cells that are sickled (crescent-shaped) rather than round. Sickled cells are fragile and can cause damage to tissue throughout the body.

Question

How do changes in the HBB gene affect body function? Place phrases into the table in the correct order to explain how changes in the HBB gene affect body tissue function.

Response area with 4 blank spaces
Step Sequence of How Changes in HBB Gene Affect Body Tissue Function
1
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2
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3
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4
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Answer options with 6 options.

Answer 1

To explain how changes in the HBB gene affect body tissue function, we can break down the sequence as follows:

1. Mutation occurs in the HBB gene.
2. Abnormal hemoglobin is produced.
3. Red blood cells become sickled (crescent-shaped).
4. Sickled cells cause tissue damage and reduced blood flow.

Given these steps, the correct order should be:

| Step | Sequence of How Changes in HBB Gene Affect Body Tissue Function | |------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1 | Mutation occurs in the HBB gene. | | 2 | Abnormal hemoglobin is produced. | | 3 | Red blood cells become sickled (crescent-shaped). | | 4 | Sickled cells cause tissue damage and reduced blood flow. |

Feel free to use this structure as needed!