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Sickle Cell Anemia Research Paper

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Sickle Cell Anemia Research Paper
Anemia is a condition in which there is lower than normal number of red blood cells or hemoglobin within a person, consequently decreasing the amount of oxygen being carried to the rest of the body. Causes of such a condition are usually insufficient amounts of iron, blood loss, lack of red blood cell production, or high rates of red blood cell destruction. (MNT, http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158800.php) One form of this condition is the disease Sickle Cell Anemia, an inherited blood disorder that affects hemoglobin. It occurs when a person inherits two recessive genes from their parents that results in the hemoglobin the red blood cells to be sickle hemoglobin. This sickle hemoglobin causes the red blood cells to change from being flexible and disk-shaped to stiff, sticky, …show more content…
To maintain health, it is vital for people with this disease to have proper nutrition and hygiene, rest, and to avoid stress (Gene Gateway, http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/posters/chromosome/sca.shtml). Unfortunately, Sickle Cell Anemia is an inherited disorder and there are different types of Anemia that could affect the blood cells in the same way as Sickle Cell Anemia. Also, this disease can be influenced by other diseases, in the sense that sickle cells can be made even more severe because of the side effects of the other diseases. Additionally, there is a connection between malaria and Sickle Cell Anemia, for those that are heterozygous for sickle cell anemia are resistant to malaria. Finally, third-world countries do not have easy access to diagnostics or advanced medication that would help contain the disease. Due to this, it is nearly impossible for Sickle Cell Anemia to be completely eradicated. (Teens Health,

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