Which statement accurately describes sickle cell anemia ?

Answer 1

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic blood disorder characterized by the production of abnormal hemoglobin known as hemoglobin S. This abnormal hemoglobin causes red blood cells to become rigid, sticky, and shaped like a crescent or sickle, rather than the usual round shape. These sickle-shaped cells can obstruct blood flow in small vessels, leading to pain episodes, anemia, increased risk of infections, and potential organ damage. The disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning that a person needs to inherit two copies of the sickle cell gene (one from each parent) to have the disease. People with one copy of the gene are carriers (sickle cell trait) but typically do not show symptoms.