--(Sickle Cell)--

Sickle cell is a disease, or group of disorder that affect the molecule in red blood cells that deliver oxygen to the cell throughout the body, called hemoglobin. People with this disease have hemoglobin S, which can distort red blood cells into a crescent shape. That is why its called sickle cell. Its also the most common inherited blood disorder, occurring in 70,000 to 80,000 Americans. Sickle cell affects million everyday. Although it is most common in people who are ancestors come from Africa or the Mediterranean countries. What is the signs or symptoms of Sickle Cell? The symptoms of sickle cell usually are noticeable at a young age. A low number of red blood cells (anemia), repeated infections, and sudden periods of pain. Anemia can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, and delayed growth and development in children.
What causes sickle cell? Mutation in the HBB gene cause it. The HBB gene provides instructions for making beta hemoglobin. In sickle cell anemia, the hemoglobin S replaces both beta hemoglobin subunits in hemoglobin.

Sickle cell is a very common disease and could be inherited. The pain is overbearing with sudden episodes. Its good to know about the things, but the sometimes can't be prevented. If you want to learn more click on this link: http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=sicklecelldisease

Vocabulary :
Sickle Cell Anemia - a severe hereditary form of anemia in which a mutated from of hemoglobin distorts the red blood cells into a crescent shape at low oxygen levels.
HBB (Beta Hemoglobin) - is a protein that, along with alpha globin that makes up the most common form of hemoglobin in adult humans.
Inherit - receive genetically from ones parents.